CANTON, Texas — Alexandria “Jasmine” Henson and her four children have reportedly died following a devastating residential fire near Canton in Van Zandt County, Texas, that destroyed their home early Wednesday morning, October 21, 2026. The tragedy has left relatives, neighbors and the wider community grieving the loss of a mother and four young children.

According to Van Zandt County Fire Marshal Kevin Palmer, the fire broke out at approximately 12:30 a.m. near County Road 4127 and County Road 4128. Multiple fire departments responded to the scene after receiving reports of a structure fire.

Three occupants reportedly escaped the burning home, but four children remained trapped inside as flames spread through the residence. The fire was so intense that firefighters reportedly had to breach an exterior wall to gain access to the home and reach the children.

Emergency crews found four children inside the residence. Three children reportedly died from their injuries, while a fourth child was initially found alive and rushed by medical helicopter to Parkland Hospital in Dallas for emergency treatment.

The children were identified by age in the supplied reports as a 3-year-old girl, a 5-year-old boy, an 8-year-old boy and a 10-year-old boy.

Despite emergency medical efforts, the 10-year-old boy later died at the hospital, Fire Marshal Kevin Palmer confirmed. His death brought the number of child fatalities in the fire to four.

The loss of all four children has intensified the heartbreak surrounding the incident, particularly as neighbors and school officials remember the young victims and support those affected by the tragedy.

Henson was also seriously injured in the fire and was transported by medical helicopter to Parkland Hospital, according to the information provided.

A family member reportedly said Henson suffered extensive burns and was placed on life support. A subsequent account states that she later died, which would bring the reported death toll to five: Henson and her four children.

However, official confirmation of Henson’s death and the timing of that update should be established before publication. Her reported medical condition and the identities and conditions of other occupants also require confirmation from authorities or the family.

Earlier reports indicated that two additional occupants were taken to a hospital as a precaution. Their identities and current conditions have not been fully disclosed in the available information.

The tragedy has deeply affected residents living near the home. Neighbors reportedly told CBS19 that they were awakened by screams and the smell of smoke as the fire unfolded.

One neighbor recalled frequently seeing the children riding their bicycles outside and described them as sweet, well-liked youngsters who had become familiar faces in the neighborhood.

Those memories have added to the grief felt by residents as they struggle to comprehend the loss of the children and their mother.

The Van Zandt County Peace Officer’s Association reportedly identified the family as the Hensons. The children’s grandfather reportedly serves with the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office, adding another layer of personal loss for those connected to local law enforcement.

Canton Independent School District issued a statement expressing profound sadness over the deaths of students connected to Canton Elementary School and Canton Intermediate School.

The district extended its condolences to the Henson family, friends, classmates, teachers and everyone affected by the tragedy.

Canton ISD also announced that counselors and support staff would be available on campus in the days following the incident to help students and employees cope with the loss.

School officials emphasized the importance of compassion, kindness and community support as students and staff navigate the difficult days ahead.

A prayer vigil was reportedly held Wednesday at the Van Zandt County Courthouse in Canton, providing community members an opportunity to gather, pray and remember the family.

Meanwhile, the cause of the fire has not been publicly released. The Van Zandt County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the incident, and additional information may become available as investigators work to determine how the blaze began and what circumstances contributed to the devastating loss.

Authorities have not provided further details in the information available about the fire’s origin or the conditions inside the home before emergency crews arrived.

As the investigation continues, the community is mourning the four children and their mother while hoping for answers and supporting surviving relatives, other occupants and the first responders involved in the emergency.