Private Funeral Held for Sanson Father as Family Struggles to Comprehend Tragic Deaths

A private funeral service has been held for Dean Field, the 36-year-old Sanson father who died alongside his three young children in a devastating house fire on 15 November. The tragedy, now being treated as a homicide by police, has left two families — and an entire community — grappling with profound grief and shock.

A funeral notice described Field as an “adored dad,” “dearly beloved son,” and “deeply loved and respected uncle.” The service was conducted quietly at the request of his family, who said they needed privacy as they began to process the weight of what happened.

A Community Seeking Answers

Police believe Field killed his three children — August, 7, Hugo, 5, and Goldie, 1 — before dying by suicide in the fire that destroyed the family home. Authorities have not yet publicly confirmed every detail as investigations remain ongoing, but the case is being treated as a suspected murder–suicide.

The children’s deaths have been met with national grief, with their mother, Chelsey Field, receiving an outpouring of public support. A Givealittle page set up on her behalf has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars as New Zealanders express shock, compassion, and sympathy.

While public discussion has largely focused on the unbearable loss suffered by Chelsey, the privately held funeral for Dean underscores the complexity of the emotional landscape surrounding the case.

Family Members Speak Out

Dean’s brother, Mark Field, spoke to Stuff on Tuesday, describing the family’s struggle to comprehend the tragedy. His comments offered a glimpse into the bewilderment and grief gripping those closest to the father, who until the final days of his life, Mark said, had been a devoted and loving parent.

“From our point of view, until he was 36 years old he had been nothing but a loving father … he was just a broken man,” Mark said.

He added that his brother had seemed emotionally empty in the six days before the suspected murder–suicide — a comment that, while not offering answers, highlights the sudden and devastating shift in Dean’s mental state.

Mark stressed that the family was taking no comfort in the funeral, nor attempting to soften the tragedy, but simply trying to reconcile two conflicting realities: the Dean they knew, and the Dean whose final actions have left so much devastation behind.

A Difficult Chapter for All Involved

While tributes for the three children have poured in from around the country, the private funeral for their father reflects the delicate balance between mourning the lives lost and trying to understand an act that has left lasting trauma.

The Field family has acknowledged the gravity of the situation and expressed sorrow not only for their own loss, but also for Chelsey, who must now navigate “the hardest journey possible,” as one friend described it on social media and the Givealittle page.

The children’s mother has spoken openly about her grief, releasing a heart-wrenching statement last week describing the devastation of losing her “light and love” and the horror of losing her home and belongings — including the ashes of her stillborn daughter, Iris.

Police Continue Intensive Investigation

Manawatū Area Commander Inspector Ross Grantham has repeatedly emphasised that investigators are working systematically through the scene to determine what happened in the hours before the fire.

Police remained on site for several days following the blaze, with forensic teams and Fire and Emergency NZ specialists examining what remains of the home. Officers described the work as a “hard grind,” noting the emotional toll on staff.

The children’s bodies were removed from the scene over two days, each with the family present. Two were carried out on Sunday evening and blessed with karakia, while the third child was recovered on Monday morning. Dean’s body was removed earlier in the investigation.

Police say it will take time before a full picture can be established, and they are continuing to speak with witnesses and family members.

A Community in Mourning

The deaths of the Field children have shaken the wider Manawatū community, prompting vigils, messages of support, and offers of assistance to Chelsey. Many have expressed grief not only for the children, but also for the complexities of a tragedy that offers no simple answers.

While the children’s public funeral drew national attention, Dean’s private service underscored the layers of loss experienced by multiple families. Behind the public shock lies a quieter sorrow — for the man Dean once was, for the father his family believed him to be, and for the circumstances that led to an unimaginable outcome.

As investigations continue, the focus remains on supporting the surviving family members, honouring the memories of August, Hugo and Goldie, and giving the community space to grieve, heal, and understand.