Crime & Safety

Family Lost 'Everything' In Jersey City Fire That Killed Woman, Relative Says

A fundraiser has begun after a North Jersey family lost their 90-year-old grandmother and their home.

(Andrea Mojica)

JERSEY CITY, NJ — Relatives of a 90-year-old woman who died in a fire in Jersey City have begun a fundraiser for her close family who lived with her.

"I'm the sister-in-law of one of the survivors," said Claudia Saffer. "He is currently staying with us while the family tries to recover and figure out what comes next."

On Oct. 1, Zenaida Mojica, 90, died in the fire in a Boyd Avenue home.

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Two men who lived at the home were taken to Jersey City Medical Center, where a firefighter was treated as well.

The fire was devastating, relatives said, sharing these photos:

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"We still haven’t been told if they have a cause for the fire," said Andrea Mojica. "Sadly we went through the house and all the photos have been lost. Two people in our home had to leave. My father-in-law is in a burn center in New Jersey and my husband and I are at my parents' house."

The GoFundMe, started by another cousin, says, "In a matter of minutes, my cousin's family lost their home, their belongings, and a life they knew and have the spent decades building.

"Andrea's mother-in-law (Mrs. Zenaida Mojica) did not survive. Her father-in-law (Mr. Mojica) is now in the hospital's burn unit receiving treatment for his burns and has a long road to recovery, while her husband (Chris) also sustained burns.

"Today, Andrea and her family are not only grieving an unimaginable loss—they are facing the overwhelming reality of starting completely over while dealing with medical treatment, recovery, and grief-not to mention the immediate need for a permanent place to live. Funds raised will help cover the many expenses that come with rebuilding a life from the beginning line."

She urged people who can't donate to share the fundraiser.

As of Wednesday, $1,750 had been raised of a $4,500 goal.

The fundraiser can be found here.

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