New Tech Institute mourns student killed in fire

Jeramya 'Jay' Craig, 14, was a freshman and member of the school's robotics team.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Officials at the EVSC's New Tech Institute in Evansville, Indiana, are mourning the loss of 14-year-old student Jeramya 'Jay' Craig, who was killed in a fire on Sunday morning. Jay was a freshman at the school and a member of their first robotics team. The school is offering counseling to students who may need support during this difficult time.

Why it matters

The tragic death of a young student is always deeply felt by the school community. New Tech Institute's robotics program was an important part of Jay's life, and his loss will be keenly felt by his teammates and the faculty who worked with him.

The details

According to reports, Jay and his 10-year-old brother Paxton were killed in a fire on Powell Avenue in Evansville early Sunday morning. A third brother has been hospitalized in Indianapolis. School officials described Jay as a beloved member of the New Tech Institute community, where he was a freshman and participated on the school's first robotics team.

  • The fire occurred early Sunday morning on February 9, 2026.

The players

Jeramya 'Jay' Craig

A 14-year-old freshman at New Tech Institute in Evansville, Indiana, and a member of the school's robotics team.

New Tech Institute

A public high school in Evansville, Indiana, that offers a project-based learning curriculum.

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What’s next

The school is providing counseling services to students who may need support during this difficult time.

The takeaway

The tragic loss of a young student is deeply felt by the entire school community. New Tech Institute's robotics program was an important part of Jay's life, and his death is a devastating blow to his teammates, teachers, and the broader school family.