lege Academy in South Jamaica, Queens, in February. He planned to go to college and potentially study engineering. His passions included anime, basketball, building cars, video games, nature, traveling, fashion and caring for his pets.

 He should be remembered as a funny, caring, beautiful soul who lit up every room he entered,  Claudia said.  He was very generous at heart and never shy away from a challenge. 

Matthews died after being rushed to Interfaith Medical Center.

 Our anchor is on God and we trust and believe that Jesus will bring us through,  his aunt said.

The family is also mourning Jahraiah, who the GoFundMe describes as  their tiny Yorkie with a huge personality  and their cats, Karama and Tegan.

 Karama was shy and trusted Caleb more than anyone else,  the GoFundMe says.  Tegan was affectionate in his own way and happily lived in his own little world. They were part of the family. 

Matthews' death marks the second fatal fire in the city this year caused by a lithium-ion battery. The first fatality occurred in late June when an e-bike caught fire in a Queens apartment, killing a 48-year-old man.

 Lithium-ion battery fires can happen quickly and become devastating, and many people do not realize the risk until it is too late,  the GoFundMe for Matthews says.  Please share Caleb's story and help spread awareness about lithium-ion battery safety. If his story helps even one person recognize the danger sooner or take extra precautions, it could save a life. 

Deaths related to lithium-ion battery fires have steadily decreased in New York City since explosions caused by the devices killed 18 people in 2023. In 2024, six people died due to battery fires, while only one person was killed in a lithium-ion battery fire in 2025.

While fatal fires remain low, the number of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries have still increased about 70% this year.

FDNY officials noted at a press conference in July that an increasing amount of battery-related fires are happening outdoors, with 137 non-structural fires in 2026 as compared to 48 at this time last year.

 We strongly believe e-bikes should be regulated more and not be charged inside homes,  Claudia said.