HOPKINTON, R.I. (WPRI) — It's been a rough couple of years for Aidan and Evan Fahlman. The 17-year-old identical twins have been forced to navigate the rest of their lives without their parents, who both passed away unexpectedly and without warning. Their father, 42-year-old Eric Fahlman, wa s found dead inside his fully-engulfed travel trailer in October 2022. "I always thought he was superhuman," Aidan said. "I didn't think he would ever pass away. That was really hard ... We didn't really know how to comprehend it. It just always felt like something was missing." Their grief compounded just days before Christmas last year, when their mother, 43-year-old Erin Brown, passed away after battling a sudden illness. The boys are now living with their grandfather in their childhood home in Hope Valley. For Aidan, the loss of their mother is still fresh. "It's been so hard," Aidan said. "It feels like you're missing your keys at home." Aidan said walking by his mom's room is difficult, especially when their cat opens the door and sneaks inside. "Sometimes it gets my hopes up [seeing her bedroom door open]," he said. Though it's been difficult, the twins have a strong support system — especially in one another. "I can't imagine not having a twin," Evan said. "Whenever I need someone, I have my brother." "You always have an automatic best friend," Aidan added. Aidan and Evan do everything together, and have channeled their grief into wrestling. "This is everything to me," Evan said, referring to wrestling. "It really gets me through a lot of my days." The boys spend most of their free time at sparring together at Mayo Quanchi Judo and Wrestling in Coventry. "This is kind of like our happy place," Aidan said. Ed Cekala told 12 News his son Ethan grew up with the twins, which is why he and his wife felt compelled to support them. "We've been trying to be people they can lean on, if they need to lean on anybody," Cekala said. "We've been trying to be here for them. I think they need more than just a rock, they need a lot of rocks." That's why the Cekalas arranged a comedy show fundraiser for the twins at the Sons of Liberty Spirits Co. in South Kingstown. Cekala said the proceeds will be put toward the twins' expenses down the road. "The cards are stacked against them, and we're trying to level the playing field here a little bit," he said. A GoFundMe was also created on the twins' behalf to provide them with financial support moving forward. Both Aidan and Evan are grateful for the overwhelming amount of support they've received. "I get butterflies in my stomach," Aidan said. "I just can't believe this many people want to support us." "I'm at a loss for words," Evan continued. "I'm just so thankful." The comedy show fundraiser is slated for Saturday, March 15, with doors opening at 5 p.m. and the show starting at 6 p.m. Those interested in attending the fundraiser can purchase tickets ahead of time online or at the door for $30 each. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media:                     Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW ...read more read less