Family of father and son killed by fire 1 year ago raise money in their memory

Family members of a father and son killed by a house fire raised money for charity in their memory Saturday.

One year ago today, Edward Lorenzen and his four-year-old son, Michael, died after Edward's home on Colonial Road in Coventry went up in flames.

Kellie Lorenzen hosted Saturday's benefit even in honor of her late son and ex-husband.

"The pain is as if it was yesterday. It's just really hard to explain. It's just unbelievable that it's been a year already," said Kellie Lorenzen.

Kellie's two other children were also visiting their father at the time of the fire.

Investigators said Zacheri, 13, saved the life of his three-year-old sister, Penny, by helping her escape.

The fire's cause is still undetermined, but investigators suspect some sort of electrical components.

Fire officials have been looking into whether a laptop sparked the fire.

Saturday afternoon's fundraising event was held at The Woods Tavern in West Greenwich.

Money raised will benefit The John Martins Foundation which helps burn victims and their families.

"I need to be busy and what better way than to give back to the community that gave so much to me," said Kellie Lorenzen.

According to Lorenzen, about $2,500 was raised before the event even began.

Kellie Lorenzen tells NBC 10 she has plans to create a foundation in the name of her late son, Michael.

Michael had autism and Lorenzen hopes to be able to provide scholarships for children with autism.