Death of Three Children and Father in Sanson House Fire Investigated as Murder-Suicide

The tragic deaths of three children and their father following a devastating fire in Sanson, New Zealand, are being treated as a murder-suicide, according to sources at RNZ. The fire, which occurred on Saturday, resulted in the loss of the lives of August, Hugo, and Goldie, aged 7, 5, and 1 respectively. Their father, Dean Field, also perished in the blaze. The incident has shocked the small community, and authorities are working diligently to piece together the details surrounding the tragic event.

The fire, which consumed a family home in the rural town of Sanson, left a community grappling with a profound sense of grief. Following the incident, the bodies of two of the children were recovered and blessed by the family with a karakia, a traditional Māori prayer or blessing, in a poignant display of cultural respect for the lives lost. The body of the father was removed earlier, and the identity of the deceased was later confirmed by Manawatu Area Commander Inspector Ross Grantham as Dean Field.

The Tragic Loss of Three Young Lives

The children’s names were shared publicly on a Givealittle page created by the children’s mother, which was set up to provide financial support during this unimaginable tragedy. The page identified the victims as August (7), Hugo (5), and Goldie (1).

In a statement posted on the page, the creator, believed to be a family member or close friend, described the children as “the light and love of her life,” referring to their mother’s overwhelming grief. The page further explained how her entire world has been “shattered” by this horrific event. The loss of not only her children but also her home has left the mother in a state of deep emotional pain and uncertainty. She is now faced with an unimaginable journey as she navigates the loss of both her loved ones and her material possessions.

“We cannot fathom the level of grief and loss she is going through,” the page stated. “In the midst of this unimaginable grief, she also lost her home and everything she owned. She is facing the hardest journey possible, stripped of her physical security, while navigating the deepest emotional pain.”

Since the page was set up, it has raised over $158,000, with the donations pouring in from across the country. The overwhelming support is a testament to the empathy and kindness of the Aotearoa community, who have rallied around the grieving mother. The page creator expressed gratitude for the generosity shown by those contributing to the fund.

Community and Nationwide Support

The Givealittle page has touched the hearts of many, with people across New Zealand showing immense support for the mother and family affected by this loss. The page’s creator expressed deep appreciation for what they described as an outpouring of love from “what felt like the whole of Aotearoa.”

“No amount of money will ever be enough to heal the wounds left in her heart and soul, but to have this safety net to rebuild her life, knowing what feels like the whole of Aotearoa is with her, and how you have all contributed to this outpouring of love in so many ways is more than we could’ve ever hoped for,” the page creator wrote in a thank you message shared on Monday.

While financial support is helpful, it’s the emotional backing from the community that is resonating most with the family. The tragic events have united many in a collective show of solidarity, offering the grieving mother a small measure of comfort in a time of overwhelming sadness.

Investigation into the Cause of the Fire and Murder-Suicide Theory

The investigation into the deaths is still ongoing, with authorities focusing on what caused the fire and the circumstances that led to the tragic deaths. Police have confirmed that they are treating the deaths as a murder-suicide. It is understood that Dean Field, the children’s father, may have been involved in the deaths, but the exact details remain unclear as the investigation continues.

A police spokesperson confirmed that the search for one of the children’s bodies is still ongoing. Authorities are working to recover all the remains and to determine whether there are any further victims involved. The identification of the remains and the progress of the investigation will hopefully bring more clarity to the circumstances surrounding this tragedy.

Inspector Grantham stated to Morning Report that the incident is being thoroughly investigated, and police are carefully piecing together the evidence to determine exactly what happened in the hours leading up to the blaze. As of now, the community and the public are left with many questions and a deep sense of loss.

A Community in Mourning

The town of Sanson, located in Manawatu, is a small, close-knit community, and the impact of this loss has been profound. In times of tragedy like this, rural communities often come together in support, and this is no exception. While the investigation continues, many in the area have shared messages of sympathy and support for the mother, offering comfort and assistance as she processes this unimaginable event.

For now, the focus is on providing the mother with the space and support she needs to grieve and rebuild her life. The community’s role in helping her move forward will be essential, as she navigates life without her children and the home she once had.

How You Can Help

For those looking to support the mother and her recovery, donations to the Givealittle page continue to be accepted. Contributions will assist with the rebuilding of her life, helping to cover basic needs, and providing some semblance of security during this traumatic time. The money raised will also provide much-needed financial relief as she works to heal and rebuild what has been taken from her.

The death of three young children and their father is a tragedy that has shaken the entire nation. It serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the power of community in times of profound sorrow. The support shown for this family is a testament to the kindness and empathy that exists in New Zealand, even in the face of the darkest moments.