ST. PAUL, Minnesota — The Vang family mourns the loss of their 18-month-old son, Muaj Cag Txuj Vang, remembered for his infectious laughter and boundless energy. Amidst their grief, they express gratitude for the outpouring of support from the community, particularly from relatives who traveled from California to stand by them during this difficult time.
Muaj Cag Txuj’s funeral commenced on Saturday at the Saint Paul Funeral Home, marking the beginning of a traditional three-day Hmong funeral ceremony that will conclude on Monday.
Tragedy struck the Vang household shortly after celebrating the New Year when a fire engulfed their St. Paul residence on January 3. Muaj Cag Txuj, along with his mother and five siblings, were inside the home during the incident, while their father was at work. Investigations by the St. Paul Fire Department concluded that the fire was accidental, sparked by an unattended candle.
The devastating blaze claimed the lives of four children. Muaj Tshav Ntuj, aged 4, was laid to rest last month, and the funeral for 5-year-old twin Ntshiab Siv is scheduled for March 23-25, followed by Siv Ntshiab’s funeral on March 29.
Reflecting on the profound loss, St. Paul Fire Chief Butch Inks expressed condolences, acknowledging the profound impact on the Vang family and the community.
St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter joined other officials in offering solace at Muaj Cag Txuj’s funeral on Sunday afternoon. Addressing the grieving father, Mayor Carter spoke of shared sorrow and resilience, emphasizing the strength drawn from family, community, and city unity.
Fire safety emerged as a crucial topic, with Mayor Carter highlighting the importance of preparedness and escape plans, a sentiment echoed by Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson, representing Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan.
While the family had working smoke detectors, the tragedy underscores the necessity of vigilance and preventive measures in safeguarding homes.
Updates on the family’s recovery revealed a mixed picture. Three-year-old Hnub Qub Vaj returned home in early February, while Muaj Cag Txuj’s mother, Ker Lor, remains hospitalized. Though Lor can see and hear, she faces challenges in communication and mobility. The family’s six-year-old son, currently undergoing physical therapy, exhibits progress in speech but struggles with mobility, with hopes of returning home in the near future.
