Funeral arrangements have been confirmed for the three young siblings who died in a house fire last weekend in Sanson, Manawatū, an incident police are treating as a murder–suicide.
August, Hugo and Goldie Field perished in the blaze along with their father, Dean Field, whose death is also part of the ongoing investigation.
According to a report by RNZ, Beauchamp Funeral Home in Palmerston North announced that a service to celebrate the children’s lives will be held next Tuesday at 10.30am. Mourners have been asked to wear bright colours in honour of the siblings. The funeral home will also livestream the service for those unable to attend.
In the published funeral notice, the children were described as “beautiful angels taken too soon,” deeply missed by their mother and grandparents. “United with big sister Iris in heaven. Loved beyond measure,” the tribute read.
Mother Speaks for the First Time
In an emotional statement released on Friday morning, the children’s mother, Chelsey Field, said her three children were “her absolute world” and she does not want their tragic deaths to overshadow the joyful lives they lived.
“My babies were my absolute world,” she said, recalling years spent as a stay-at-home mother after previously working as an early childhood teacher. “I enjoyed so much quality time with them… I will forever cherish all these special memories,” RNZ reported.
Field also revealed that her dog, Marlo, died in the fire, and the ashes of her stillborn daughter, Iris, were lost when the house was destroyed.
“Not only did I lose my children and my home that day, but I also lost our beloved miniature schnauzer, Marlo,” she said. “This incident has left me heartbroken and devastated. My children did not deserve this,” reported RNZ
Tributes to Each Child
Field spoke lovingly about each of her children:
August, who would have turned eight next Thursday, was described as a “happy, kind and outgoing boy” who loved football, fishing and going to the stock cars. He adored his siblings and often helped care for Goldie.
Hugo, who had recently started school, was a “kind, thoughtful and considerate” child who loved dinosaurs, Hot Wheels and riding his motorbike. Field said he was a doting big brother.
Goldie, the youngest, was “the special little girl I had waited so long for.” She had just begun standing and trying to walk, loved music, and adored her brothers. Her first words were “Hi” and “dog,” and she even said “Marlo” before “Mum,” reported RNZ.
Community Support and Ongoing Investigation
Field said she has been overwhelmed by the support from first responders, friends and strangers across New Zealand. A Givealittle page set up to support her had raised more than $348,000 by Friday morning.
“I have felt the aroha of those around me… This support has given me the strength to carry on,” she said, RNZ reported.
Police said forensic examinations at the scene are continuing and warned that it may be some time before definitive answers are available. Investigators are asking anyone with information to come forward as inquiries continue.
ISSUE
Leave a Comment