6-Year-Old Boy Tragically Died While Trying To Shield 3-Year-Old Brother From House Fire

A family is grappling with immense grief after two young brothers tragically lost their lives in a house fire, passing away side by side.

Six-year-old William Brice and his three-year-old brother, Zachariah, died last week when their family home in North Virginia was engulfed in flames.

At the time of the fire on April 10, the boys were at home with their grandparents and their older brother, eight-year-old Logan.

While the grandparents and Logan managed to escape the inferno, William and Zachariah were not as fortunate.

Zachariah and William Brice died on April 14. NBC4 Washington

The young brothers were discovered together, huddled in a poignant scene, and tragically succumbed to smoke inhalation four days after the fire.

Upon being found, it seemed that William had been trying to shield Zachariah from the flames.

Despite being rescued by firefighters within 45 minutes and showing no severe external injuries, the boys were later declared brain dead due to the extensive smoke inhalation.

Their dad, James Brice, shared with PEOPLE: "They told us that when William and Zach were found, William was actually covering and protecting Zachariah like a shield."

He added, "We knew that to be his character because that's just who he is. He, himself, is a hero."

Notably, William was wearing his Captain America T-shirt at the time of the tragedy.

James also spoke about the strong bond between the two brothers. 

"Zachariah was always following William everywhere, and William was so proud. He would tell everyone, 'That's my baby brother'," he explained.

In a heartfelt decision, the Brice family chose to donate their sons' organs to help other children in need. 

The young boys had a special bond, their father said. NBC4 Washington

"We are balancing the grief of missing them and at the same time proud that our six-year-old made such a heroic choice. 

"Through the organ donations, we are also hopeful that another family will get to experience a miracle thanks to our boys," James reflected.

Before the donation procedures, William and Zachariah were honored with a 'Walk of Honor' in the hospital.

During this tribute, family members and hospital staff lined up to applaud them as they were wheeled side-by-side into the operating theater.

Jecoliah Daniels from Infinite Legacy, a non-profit that facilitates organ and tissue donation, spoke to WUSA9, saying:

"They were both able to be in the operating theater around the same time so that they could save lives together.

"They were able to have this honor walk together. Brothers together until the end, and their legacy lives on."

She added that the donations from both William and Zachariah have the potential to 'save up to nine lives.'