By 7News
KMGH-TV

DENVER | The family of two children who drowned in an apartment swimming pool last week held an emotional memorial service Sunday, June 3.

The tight-knit Ethiopian community came together to mourn and help the family take the bodies home.

About 500 people attended the memorial service at the Ethiopian Orthodox Church near Sixth Avenue and Pennsylvania in Denver.

“When the casket came, everybody just broke down. It was just too much,” said family friend Elsa Hagos.

Investigators believe Bethlehem Gezaee, 16, was trying to save her 11-year-old brother, Yacob Gezaee, from drowning in the swimming pool when she, too, went under. Neighbors found the siblings’ bodies floating in the pool. Bethlehem died that day and Yacob died days later after he was taken off life support.

The family had been in the United States only six months after their father worked two jobs for years to bring them here. They are now taking the children’s bodies back to Ethiopia where most of the family still lives. Family friends said the children’s parents have not been able to return to their apartment. They have been staying at the church.

People from all over the world have donated money to help with the cost. So far, they’ve raised more than $20,000 to help send the bodies back to Ethiopia.

Donations are being accepted through U.S. Bank. Checks can be mailed directly to 1090 Syracuse Court, Denver, CO 80230.