Source: Radio New Zealand
Hugo, Goldie and August. Supplied
Warning: This story discusses suicide.
The funeral for “three beautiful angels taken too soon” in a house fire in the Manawatū town of Sanson is being held this morning.
August, 7, Hugo, 5, and Goldie Field, 1, died on 15 November in what’s being treated as a murder-suicide.
Their father, 36-year-old Dean Field, also died in the fire at the family home. He is suspected of murdering the three children before dying by suicide.
The children’s funeral is being held at Crossroads Church in Palmerston North on Tuesday.
“Please wear bright colours,” a funeral notice said.
The notice described the children as “three beautiful angels taken too soon”, and said they’d be sadly missed by their families and everyone who knew them.
It also said they’d be united in Heaven with their big sister Iris, who was stillborn.
In a statement released late last week, the children’s mother Chelsey Field said Iris’ ashes were lost in the blaze. The family’s dog Marlo also died.
“This incident has left me heartbroken and devastated. My children did not deserve this,” Chelsey Field said.
She acknowledged emergency service workers and thanked the public for their support – a Givealittle page set up to support her had raised almost $400,000.
The statement also painted a vivid picture about August, Hugo and Goldie.
August would have turned eight on Thursday and was going to celebrate the milestone with his friends.
He was described as joined at the hip with his brother Hugo, who had made a flying start to school this year.
The boys also loved their younger sister, Goldie, who Chelsey Field said was “my special little girl I had waited so long for”.
“Her first words were ‘hi’ and ‘dog’. She even said ‘Marlo’ the dog’s name before she said ‘Mum’.”
Police finished their scene examination last week and handed the property back to the family.
They said it could take some time before they get answers about what happened.
Where to get help:
- Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason.
- Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357.
- Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO. This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends.
- Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 or text 4202.
- Samaritans: 0800 726 666.
- Youthline: 0800 376 633 or text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz.
- What’s Up: 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787. This is free counselling for 5 to 19-year-olds.
- Asian Family Services: 0800 862 342 or text 832. Languages spoken: Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, and English.
- Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254.
- Healthline: 0800 611 116.
- Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155.
- OUTLine: 0800 688 5463.
Family Violence
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
