Mother, daughter both die in Framingham fire

A mother and daughter have both died after an apartment building fire in Framingham on Nov. 30, officials said Monday. 

Leyla Mendieta, 49, died Dec. 3. Her 23-year-old daughter, Nethalya Samaniego, has since also died, the state’s Department of Fire Services said in a release.

The Framingham Fire Department responded to the fire at 33 Interfaith Terrace and found Mendieta and Samaniego unresponsive on the second floor of the building, officials said. 

The women were transported to an area hospital, and one was later taken in critical condition to a Boston hospital, authorities said. 

The fire began in the area of a living room couch in the women’s apartment, but the exact cause is under investigation, officials said. 

“Our hearts go out to the family that lost two loved ones and their home,” Framingham Fire Chief Michael D. Dutcher said. “This is a terrible loss for them and our community.”

A GoFundMe to support the Mendieta family has raised nearly $60,000 as of Tuesday night.

“Their family is facing overwhelming medical, housing, and basic-needs expenses as they try to cope with this tragedy. We are asking for support to help them replace essentials, cover emergency costs, and stay close to their loved ones during this difficult time,” the GoFundMe description reads. 

A memorial to honor Mendieta and Samaniego is scheduled to take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 11 at Pelham Life Long Learning Center, according to the GoFundMe.