‘Your mum will love you forever and ever’: Children killed in Sanson fire remembered at emotional funeral

This story discusses suicide.

The size of the three small coffins said more than any words could.
At the front of a packed auditorium at Crossroads Church in Palmerston North on Tuesday morning lay the bodies of August Field, 7, Hugo Field, 5, and Goldie Field, 1—three young siblings whose lives were cut short in a devastating house fire in the Manawatū community of Sanson on 15 November. Their father, 36-year-old Dean Field, also died in the blaze.

More than 3000 people across New Zealand and overseas watched the funeral online, while hundreds more filled the church in person, forming a congregation united in grief and disbelief over the loss of an entire young family. The children’s mother, Chelsey Field, who survived the tragedy, stood before the crowd to honour her children with a farewell neither she nor any parent should ever have to give.

Authorities have said that Dean Field is suspected of murdering the three children before taking his own life. A full investigation into the circumstances of the fire remains ongoing. Police have not released further details but confirmed they are treating the case as a suspected murder-suicide.

Despite the unimaginable circumstances, Chelsey sought to create a day that reflected not only grief, but also the joy, brightness and personality of her children. That desire was evident in the details that surrounded the service: three tiny coffins, each painted in a different, vibrant colour—blue, green and pink—adorned with small pictures, patterns, and topped with bright, hand-picked flowers chosen to symbolise the individuality of each child.

Beside them lay a fourth coffin, small and simple, containing Marlo, the family’s beloved dog who also died in the fire. A stuffed toy was placed gently on top—one last gesture of comfort for the much-loved pet who had been part of the children’s daily life.

During her tribute, Chelsey’s voice wavered but her message remained steady. She spoke of her children’s personalities, their quirks, their favourite colours, their laughter, and the joy they carried into every room. Then, as she stood before the three coffins, she delivered a final message that left the entire room in tears:
“I will miss you three so much. You will know your mum will love you forever and ever.”

Her words echoed through the auditorium, prompting quiet sobs from mourners who had held themselves together until that moment.

Friends, family members, teachers and neighbours spoke throughout the service, painting a portrait of three bright young children who were deeply loved, mischievous, kind, and full of promise. Photos displayed on screens showed August riding his scooter, Hugo helping in the garden, and baby Goldie laughing in her mother’s arms. The images, paired with stories shared by those who knew them, offered a glimpse into the life the trio had lived—a life that, despite its brevity, was full of warmth.

Several speakers acknowledged the difficulty of finding meaning or understanding after such a tragedy. Leaders from the local community and church encouraged the mourners to lean on one another, emphasising that grief of this scale requires time, patience and support.

Chelsey, who has received nationwide sympathy and countless messages of support, expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love from strangers and loved ones alike. She said the children would have been “so touched” by the colours, flowers, and the effort people had made to celebrate their lives.

The service included music chosen by Chelsey—songs the children loved, as well as pieces that reflected her connection to them. A children’s choir sang a gentle hymn that many attendees later described as the moment when the weight of the loss became almost unbearable.

After the formal service concluded, mourners were invited outside for a balloon release, each balloon in the colour of one of the children’s coffins. As they lifted into the grey sky above Palmerston North, many attendees held one another and cried. The children’s names were spoken softly as the balloons disappeared from view.

The loss has deeply affected the Sanson community, where the Field family had lived, worked and made close friendships. Community organisations, schools and local authorities have offered support services, counselling and pastoral care for those struggling to cope with the tragedy.

Police have reiterated that support is available for anyone affected by the incident, and mental-health organisations have reminded the public to seek help if they feel overwhelmed.

As the service ended, Chelsey placed her hands on each of the three small coffins—blue, green and pink—one final time. Her whispered farewell was not audible to the audience, but her earlier promise still lingered in the air:
“Your mum will love you forever and ever.”