Devastating Loss: Father and 12-Year-Old Son Die in Early Morning Hempstead Apartment Fire

In a heartbreaking tragedy that has shaken a Long Island community, a 42-year-old father and his 12-year-old son were killed Friday morning in a raging two-alarm fire that swept through their basement apartment in Hempstead.

Kenneth Roberts and his son, Mekhi Roberts, were overcome by smoke and flames in the building on Albemarle Avenue. Despite the heroic efforts of nearly 100 firefighters who rushed to the scene, both victims were pronounced ᴅᴇᴀᴅ after being transported to Nᴀssau University Medical Center.

The fire broke out just before 4:05 a.m. on March 13, 2026, quickly escalating into a dangerous blaze in the multi-unit residential building. Emergency responders arrived within minutes, battling thick smoke and intense heat as they searched for those trapped inside.

Family Mourns Beloved Father and Son

Lissett Cruz, Kenneth’s wife and Mekhi’s stepmother, is left devastated by the sudden loss. In an emotional interview with Eyewitness News, she struggled to find words as she remembered her loved ones.

“He was a good kid,” Cruz said of Mekhi. “And my husband, he loved his son. He loved his family. He was a loving, honest person. I don’t feel like it’s real. It’s a dream. I’m at a loss for words. It doesn’t feel real right now.”

Cruz shared touching video and pH๏τos of Mekhi with reporters. In the videos, the young boy could be seen enthusiastically playing firefighter — a childhood dream that now carries painful irony. Family members described Mekhi as an energetic, kind-hearted child who brought joy to everyone around him. Kenneth was remembered as a devoted father who cherished spending time with his son and prioritized family above all else.

The pair lived together in the basement apartment, where the fire is believed to have originated. Their deaths have left an irreplaceable void in the lives of those closest to them.

Mᴀssive Fire Response and Displacement

The two-alarm fire drew a large emergency response, with approximately 100 firefighters from multiple departments working together to contain the flames and search the building. While the fire was eventually brought under control, it had already claimed two lives and caused significant damage to the property.

As a result of the blaze, ten residents and a family dog were displaced from their homes. The American Red Cross has stepped in to provide immediate ᴀssistance, including temporary shelter, food, clothing, and other essential support for those affected.

No Smoke Detectors Found

Fire officials have revealed a critical detail: no smoke detectors were observed in the basement apartment where Kenneth and Mekhi lived. Investigators are now working to determine the exact cause of the fire. At this time, the origin and circumstances remain under active investigation.

This tragedy has prompted renewed focus on the importance of fire prevention and safety equipment in homes, particularly in multi-family buildings where residents may rely on building-wide systems.

Community Left Reeling

News of the deaths spread quickly through the Hempstead community, where many neighbors expressed shock and sorrow. Residents described the Roberts family as friendly and quiet, often seen together in the neighborhood. The loss of a young boy with his whole life ahead of him has hit particularly hard.

Local leaders and community members have begun offering condolences and support to the grieving family. As investigators continue their work, many are reflecting on how quickly an ordinary night can turn into an unimaginable nightmare.

For Lissett Cruz and the extended family, the days ahead will be filled with profound grief and difficult decisions. The video of young Mekhi pretending to be a firefighter now serves as a bittersweet reminder of a bright young life cut far too short.

Authorities continue to investigate the fire. Anyone with information that could ᴀssist investigators is encouraged to contact the Nᴀssau County Fire Marshal’s Office.

This incident serves as a sobering reminder for all Long Island residents about the critical need for functioning smoke detectors, fire escape plans, and regular safety checks in homes. In the wake of this tragedy, fire safety advocates are urging families to take proactive steps to protect their loved ones.

Our deepest condolences go out to Lissett Cruz, the Roberts family, and everyone impacted by this devastating loss.