OCEAN ISLE BEACH, N.C. -- The family of one of the students killed in the beach house fire released a statement on Tuesday thanking the community, but also making a plea.

Emily Yelton attended Clemson University. She and two other students who died in the fire graduated from J.L. Mann High School in Greenville last spring.

On Wednesday, Yelton's family released the following statement:

"At this time of great loss and tears for our family and the families of the six other wonderful sons, daughters and best friends lost this past Sunday, we would like to express our profound thanks to the Greenville community and to those who have supported us in thought and prayer from around the country and the world. Please know that your support has given us strength and your prayers have touched our hearts for those 'we have loved long since and lost but a while.'"

"We also ask that you do not give in to unfounded rumors on the cause of the fire or other details which at this time remain under investigation. There has been information reported that is incorrect and unfair to the victims and their families. Please withhold any rush to judgment and let the authorities do their work without speculation or rumor."


There will be a memorial service Friday at 2 p.m. at Brookwood Community Church, the church Yelton attended. The church is located at 580 Brookwood Point Place in Simpsonville.
The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Young Life Greenville, 2320 E. North Street, Suite N, Greenville, S.C., 29607. Send to the attention of Area Director David Bokowy.