Our Voice : Citizens For a Better Lebanon Maine

The Lebanon Rescue Department has set up a fund to help a local family that tragically lost their 15 month old child on Friday, November 28th at their Lebanon home.

Lebanon Rescue was called to the home on Upper Middle Road on Friday morning around 8am. When rescue members arrived within minutes of the call, they found adorable Ty Gilpatrick, age 15 months, had tragically passed away. His loving mother, Kristen Desmarais and his grandfather, Stephen Kelly lived at the house with him. Ty’s father, Ryan Gilpatrick of Hollis was a very loving father and quickly arrived at the scene. Dozens of family members and friends converged on the scene to learn that Ty had passed away. York County Sheriff’s Department Deputies and Maine State Police Detective worked at the scene for the entire morning.

While the exact cause of death has not yet been determined, the family still has been grieving the loss of their only child.

The family does not have the money to have a full funeral and cremation. They had just enough money to provide Ty with a warm and loving home and to raise a great child who will be missed by his many relatives who loved little “Ty Ty.”

The Lebanon Rescue Department has set up a fund to help the family pay for the final expenses. Every dollar will help this family who wants to give their child a proper funeral.

“It is always tragic to lose a child, but the day after Thanksgiving and when the family had so many plans for the upcoming Holiday like going to the mall to see Santa. Those are the things we cannot bring back for the family. We just want to help the family be able to remember Ty and all the brightness he brought to the family. I have met with the entire family. His parents are exceptional people who would do anything in the world for their child. He has very loving great grandparents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. Words cannot express the sadness that all of the rescue members who responded to that call feel. We feel it is our duty to help them in any way we can. We are hoping that we can get the community support for the family to be able to have a proper funeral and remember Ty for the great child he was.” Rescue Chief Samantha Cole added.

The family has agreed to sit down with reporters to share their story. They have asked us to do this at the rescue station if possible. They are also getting us more pictures. Please contact Assistant Chief Jason Cole at (207) 608-5615 to set this up.

“We understand at the Holiday Season that money is tight. We just hope that people can help this family dealing with a tragedy to be able to memorialize their adorable child. We met with the family tonight and they are still understanably shocked but greatful for any support that they can get” Chief Samantha Cole added.

Checks can be made out to: Lebanon Rescue Corporation   -   all money will be forwarded to the family for the expenses.

Donations to help the family with the final expenses can be mailed to:

Lebanon Rescue Department

Ty Gilpatrick Fund

323 Depot Road

Lebanon, Maine 04027

For more information, you can contact Chief Samantha Cole at (207) 608-5615

Ty Gilpatrick