11-year-old dies saving dog in Spalding County house fire, uncle says [Video]

A Spalding County house fire claimed the life of an 11-year-old girl who died trying to save her dog, according to her family who spoke first with FOX 5’s Tyler Fingert on Sunday afternoon.

ORIGINAL STORY: 11-year-old dies in Spalding County house fire

It happened just outside of Griffin city limits on Sidney Drive.

Spalding County firefighters said the home was a complete loss after flames tore through it Saturday night. The victim’s uncle said the whole family was devastated by 11-year-old Katelynn Simonds’ sudden loss.

“Always had that smile on her face,” Charles Beecher, the uncle, said. “That’s what I’m going to miss.”

Pain was evident in Beecher’s voice as he described his niece.

“She was a joy of life. She was a cheerleader. She was into everything. I mean, it’s heartbreaking. It’s hard,” he said.

Beecher said the child died at around 5:30 p.m. trying to be a hero.

“She was worried about her dog upstairs, and she ran upstairs,” he explained. “Katelynn, she’s like …