Community Mourns as Funeral Held for Three Children Lost in Sanson House Fire

A wave of grief continues to wash over the Manawatū region as family, friends, and community members gather to farewell three young siblings who died in a devastating house fire in Sanson last month. The service and public response reflect the profound sadness felt across New Zealand as more details emerge about the tragedy that claimed the lives of August, Hugo, and Goldie Field.

The children, aged seven, five, and one, died on 15 November in what is being treated as a suspected murder–suicide. Their father, Dean Field, 36, also died in the blaze. Police investigations remain ongoing.

The funeral, held this morning at Crossroads Church in Palmerston North, offered a space for collective mourning and remembrance. A notice ahead of the service gently asked attendees to “please wear bright colours,” a symbolic invitation to honour the joy and light the children brought to those around them.

A Family Shattered by Unimaginable Loss

The children’s mother, Chelsey Field, released a deeply emotional statement through the Givealittle page that has since captured national attention. The page, titled “A Mother’s Worst Nightmare,” was created by a close friend hoping to “create a safety net” for Chelsey as she navigates what supporters have called “the hardest journey possible.”

Chelsey described her three children as “the light and love of her life,” and spoke candidly about the heartbreak of losing not only her family, but her home and cherished belongings — including the ashes of her stillborn daughter, Iris, which were lost in the fire. The family dog, Marlo, also perished.

“In the midst of this unimaginable grief, she also lost her home and everything she owned,” the Givealittle organiser wrote. “She is stripped of her physical security while navigating the deepest emotional pain.”

The fundraiser has struck a chord nationwide, surpassing $250,000 as strangers and supporters alike offer messages of solidarity and compassion.

Fond Memories of August, Hugo and Goldie

Chelsey’s statement painted a vivid, loving portrait of each child.
August, who would have turned eight this week, had eagerly planned a birthday celebration with his friends.
Hugo, described as his brother’s constant companion, had just begun school and was flourishing.
Baby Goldie, Chelsey said, was “my special little girl I had waited so long for.” She recalled Goldie’s early words — “hi” and “dog” — noting that Goldie learned to say the dog’s name before she said “Mum.”

These details, shared widely online, have deepened the emotional impact of the tragedy, giving the public a fuller sense of the lives lost.

Police Conducting ‘Hard Grind’ Investigation

Investigators continue working methodically at the ruins of the family home, with Manawatū Area Commander Inspector Ross Grantham saying police will remain at the scene “as long as it takes” to establish exactly what occurred.

Grantham confirmed that while the three children suffered fatal burns, their father did not. The circumstances surrounding the fire remain under active investigation, with police interviewing witnesses, speaking to whānau, and conducting detailed forensic work.

The bodies of two of the children were recovered on Sunday night and were blessed by the family with karakia, a moment of profound cultural and emotional significance. The father’s body was removed earlier, and the third child’s remains were recovered the following morning, with the family present.

On Tuesday, several police vehicles — both marked and unmarked — remained stationed outside the destroyed home. Officers in white protective suits could be seen examining the scene, while a Fire and Emergency investigator continued specialised analysis of the property.

Inspector Grantham acknowledged that the next stage of the investigation would be challenging and emotionally taxing for all involved, describing the process as a “hard grind” as police piece together the timeline and cause of the fire.

A Community Responds With Compassion

As the investigation unfolds, the wider Manawatū community has rallied around Chelsey and her extended family. Messages of support, floral tributes, and candles have appeared outside the church and at public memorial spaces.

Mental health services and community organisations have also stepped in, recognising the broader emotional toll the tragedy has taken on local residents and first responders.

The funeral service offered a moment of collective reflection — not only on the tragedy itself, but on the love shared between a mother and her children, and the profound impact of their short lives.

As the community gathers under bright colours to honour August, Hugo and Goldie, the hope is that the outpouring of support will help carry their mother through the long and difficult path ahead.