Family and friends remember 5-year-old Malakai Stovall

Rochester, NY (WHAM) – Heartbroken family members gathered Monday morning to say tearful goodbyes to a 5-year-old boy who died in an intentionally set fire.

The funeral service for Malakai Stovall was held at the Father’s House Church in Chile and 13WHAM was invited to cover the service.

Malakai was in bed at his Portland Avenue home on July 29 when the house was intentionally set on fire, trapping him on the second floor. He was rescued by firefighters but suffered burns to more than 75 percent of his body and died several days later, police said.

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At the service on Monday, Malakai’s family and friends described the little boy as “sweet,” “smart,” “kind” and “gone far too soon.”

“He was so popular, so popular,” said Malakai’s grandmother Stacy Semmel-Akers.

Musical tributes to Malakai resounded through the church as relatives remembered the little boy’s cheerful spirit.

“Kai Kai was my grandchild. He was my world,” said Semmel-Akers. “I will miss him so much,”

“He’s just gone too soon, way too soon,” said Malakai’s stepfather Donovan Forbes.

“He is just so sweet, smart and just adorable,” added one of Malakai’s teachers.

Josh Jansen, pastor of The Father’s House, delivered words from Malakai’s family at the memorial service.

“Malakai loved to talk to everyone. He knew all about excavators and Sonic the Hedgehog, the finer things in life,” said Jansen. “He loved to cheer everyone up and always left a smile on everyone’s face. He loved nature walks and adventures. He even won his school’s Earth Award for caring the most about the environment. Mama’s big, brave boy, me and you, baby, always.”

“There will always be a big hole in Bri’s (Malakai’s mother) world because you no longer visit her,” said a family member. “But we will continue to remind her that she is with you.”

Two sisters, Tiakayla Hendrix, 21, and Taquida Hendrix, 31, are accused of setting fire to the Portland Avenue home. They face murder and arson charges. The motive has not been disclosed.

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The Hendrix sisters appeared in court Monday and a grand jury voted to indict on at least one count, according to the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office.