College football player killed in DeKalb fire remembered for kind spirit

Just before 1 p.m. Monday, a fire engulfed the house on Rock Cliff Court, according to DeKalb County investigators. When firefighters arrived at the scene, neighbors told them someone was still inside, fire Capt. Jaeson Daniels said.

After getting a phone call that would change his life, Edwards rushed home. Fire crews were fighting the blaze when he arrived.

By the time they made it into a second-floor bedroom, Taylor had died.

Credit: Family photo

Credit: Family photo

The stately brick house where Edwards’ family often gathered is now missing part of its roof, and its windows are busted. Most of the brick is standing, but the home is unlivable. While insurance agents and contractors do their work, gaping holes are ready to be boarded up.

The fire was one of several in North Georgia that killed five people, including three in metro Atlanta, over a three-day period. A Union County fire killed two children Sunday morning, while separate fires claimed two women in Fulton and Gwinnett counties, investigators said.

For firefighters, the holidays are the busy season: More people are home and cooking; plummeting temperatures have people seeking warmth; and decorations with hundreds of lights can pose a fire hazard, Daniels said this week.

While the fires remain under investigation, survivors are left to pick up the pieces, rebuilding their lives and grieving.

Edwards, 67, lost all of his belongings. But his grandson is irreplaceable.

“Izaiah was my first grandchild, and he was part of the village,” Edwards said. “See, we are from the Caribbean, and the idea of a village raising a child is paramount. And he was part of that opportunity to be part of that village.”

Taylor, who had been a standout player at South Gwinnett High School, was home for the holidays when the fire ignited and claimed his life.

After his high school career, Taylor committed to play at Liberty University. He then entered the transfer portal after the 2024 season and enrolled at GMC in Milledgeville earlier this year. A redshirt freshman, Taylor didn’t see playing time this past season on the Bulldogs’ offensive line.

“Playing football was a dream for him, and the coaches who know more about football than I do said that he had the attributes, being quick on his feet and big in size,” Edwards said. “They reckoned that he would have taken that to the next level.”

Now, Taylor won’t get that chance.

News of the student’s death quickly spread to his college campus.

“Our hearts are with Izaiah’s family, friends, classmates and all those who knew and loved him,” the school said in a statement. “The loss of a member of our GMC family is felt across our campus community, and we extend our deepest condolences during this incredibly difficult time.”

Credit: Natrice Miller

Credit: Natrice Miller

While funeral arrangements were being finalized, a GoFundMe page was created by family members.

“This sudden tragedy has left our family devastated and facing unexpected expenses,” Shevonne and Carlinton Taylor wrote on the fundraising page. “We want to give Izaiah the beautiful farewell he deserves, but we need your help to make that possible.”

A second GoFundMe account was created by Edwards’ employer.

Relatives and friends have offered Edwards a place to stay while his home is restored, he said. He is struggling to understand why his family was hit by tragedy.

“You question yourself about your own faith,” he said. “But God is in charge. He’s in a better place. Even though I might want to say untimely, but I have no control of that.”