Staff photos / Emily Scott Approximately 200 people release balloons to honor Warren G. Harding junior Chassidy Broadstone, who died in a house fire Thursday morning.

WARREN — Approximately 200 classmates, friends, teachers and community members gathered at Packard Park on Saturday to celebrate the life of 16-year-old Chassidy Broadstone, who died in a house fire early Thursday.

The home on the corner of Nevada Avenue and McMyler Street NW was engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived shortly before 2 a.m. Police believe the incident was arson.

Many of those at Packard Park wore green, Broadstone’s favorite color, and released balloons into the sky in her honor. Several yelled out, “We love you Chassidy.”

Several of Broadstone’s friends who were at the park on Saturday described the Warren G. Harding junior with words like “amazing,” “gorgeous,” “kind-hearted,” “respectful” and “outgoing.” They said she was a great friend who was nice to everyone. While she may have been quiet, her friends said everyone seemed to know her and adore her.

“She was my best friend,” WGH senior Lauri Baker said. “We may have not hung out a lot, but she was still always there. I’ve known her since I was a freshman and I’m a senior now.”

Other friends said she would always stand up for her friends and said she was a good person to have in your corner.

Dave Staley, Broadstone’s English teacher, said she will be dearly missed in school. He described her as someone who could make others laugh and smile, and as someone who could help and inspire others.

“I came out here because Chassidy is a wonderful person,” Staley said. “She is loved by students and staff. She’s grown so much this year. She had a passion for learning. She had a passion for helping and loving. Everyone that I knew who knew her couldn’t say anything bad about her. She was a wonderful, wonderful soul.”

He said she has “blossomed” since the beginning of the year and had aspirations to rise above what had previously held her back in life.

Many who attended the vigil had to leave quickly after a fight broke out and some thought one of the people involved had a gun.

Since the fire, some have placed balloons and teddy bears on the front porch as a memorial to Broadstone. At school, students will also honor her Thursday by wearing green, Harding Principal Sandra Williams said previously. Counselors and the school psychologist at Harding will be available throughout this week.

The Salvation Army in Warren said it is raising money for funeral and medical expenses for the family, noting Chassidy and her sister have been attending church services there for many years. Donations will be accepted at the Salvation Army, 270 Franklin St. SE., Warren.

ONGOING INVESTIGATION

Fire marshal spokesman Andy Ellinger previously confirmed the fire has been ruled arson. Investigators with the state Fire and Explosion Investigations Bureau are working with Warren fire and police departments, the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agency and the Trumbull County Medical Examiners’ Office in the ongoing investigation.

For most of the morning Thursday, police officers and members of the state Fire Marshal’s Office and the federal ATF combed through the rubble resulting from the fire. Reports stated it started around 2 a.m. in the garage and spread throughout the house. Two other young girls — Chassidy’s sisters — managed to escape.

The state fire marshal’s Blue Ribbon Arson Committee is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or individuals responsible for the fire that caused Broadstone’s death.

Anyone who has information should contact the state fire marshal’s tip line at 800-589-2728. All information submitted will be treated as confidential.

Information in this case can also be given to Warren police detective Michael Altiere, who can be reached at MAltiere@warren.org and (330) 841-2749.