The Unthinkable Way This Pregnant Mom Died Trying to Save Her Toddler

A pregnant woman and her little boy were tragically killed in a burning Philadelphia row house after the mother ran back in to save her son.

While their names have not yet been released, family members have identified the victims as Elizabeth Perez — who was 8 months pregnant with a little girl — and Nathaniel Richardson.

When the home erupted in flames at 4 a.m., Perez initially escaped the fire along with other family members. As soon as she realized that her 2-year-old toddler was missing, the expectant mother ran back into the blaze. According to Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Derrick Sawyer, heavy smoke prevented their escape and she was found cradling her child near a bedroom doorway. "She was desperately trying to get out," Sawyer said.

Two adults and four children were taken to the hospital. The cause of the fire is under investigation, but crews didn't find any smoke detectors, and at least five portable space heaters were being used in the home.