2-year-old girl killed in Shaler fire remembered as 'angel-like'

Kathy Palmer was working the night shift at a GetGo in Wexford when she got the call from her son as Friday turned into Saturday around midnight.

“Something really bad has happened,” Palmer recalled him saying. “There was a fire and Dani didn’t make it.”

Danika Deramo, Palmer’s 2-year-old granddaughter, died after being rescued from the Friday night blaze that gutted her home at 750 Falls Run Road in Shaler, a wooded side street near the township’s border with O’Hara.

She was taken to UPMC Mercy hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 10:34 p.m.

Danika first escaped the fire, but ran back into the house after the family cat, Palmer said.

The other members of the family — mom Courtney Frederick, dad David Deramo and their 1-month-old daughter, Anastasia — were taken to an area hospital and later released. Palmer said they will have no lasting physical effects from the fire.

But losing Danika is another story.

Palmer told the Tribune-Review on Sunday that she and her family are devastated by Danika’s death — but are quick to celebrate her life.

“Honestly, we have been blown up so much the last couple days,” said Palmer, who lives in Millvale. “But it didn’t matter what kind of day you were having. When Dani was in the room, you smiled. She had an angel-like personality.”

The family has started a GoFundMe page to help offset the cost of Danika’s funeral and memorial services. It had 48 donations for a total of nearly $2,500 Sunday night.

“We appreciate all of the love and support,” Palmer said. “If people can keep us in their prayers, that would help.”

Four firefighters also were hospitalized for treatment of injuries sustained in fighting the blaze, which was first reported to emergency responders around 9:45 p.m. Friday. Police said their injuries were not life threatening.

“Our hearts go out to the family and all involved in the rescue of this young child,” Shaler police Chief Sean Frank said in a prepared statement. “Please keep all involved in your thoughts and prayers.”

Authorities are investigating the cause and origin of the fire. Township police are being assisted by Allegheny County Police and the county fire marshal.