GASTONIA, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A swimming relay event was held Sunday in honor of a Gaston County child killed in a domestic violence incident.

Racheal Blakney says her son, Cyrus, would've wanted to be in the pool with friends and family at the 2nd annual Ripple Effect Relay Festival in Gastonia.

"We're here to swim in his honor," Blakney said. "Swimming is something he loved to do."

Cyrus died in 2023 when police say his father killed him, set their home in Stanley on fire, and then killed himself.

Cyrus was 11 years old.

His twin sister, Piper, was hurt in the fire too.

"Piper and I live our tragedy every single day," Blakney said. "It's nice that one day a year we can all get together and remember him together with the fellowship of other people."

The Relay Festival is not j

See Full Page