Tragic Deaths of Three Children and Their Father in Sanson House Fire Under Investigation as Suspected Murder-Suicide

The deaths of three young children and their father in a devastating house fire in Sanson, Manawatu, are now being investigated as a suspected triple murder-suicide. The fire, which engulfed a property on State Highway 1 in the rural New Zealand town, took place on Saturday afternoon and has left the community and the entire nation in shock. Authorities believe that Dean Field, the father, killed his three children – August (7), Hugo (5), and Goldie (1) – before taking his own life.

The tragic incident has prompted a significant police investigation, though details remain scarce as the authorities continue their work at the scene. The bodies of two of the children were removed from the property on Sunday evening, while police have stated that efforts are still ongoing to locate the body of the third child. The New Zealand Ministry of Justice confirmed that three deaths had been referred to the coroner, with a fourth death expected to follow.

A Desperate and Heartbreaking Loss for the Mother

The mother of the children, who has requested privacy during this devastating time, has been left to process the unimaginable loss of her children and husband. In an emotional appeal for support, friends of the mother created an online fundraising page titled “A Mother’s Worst Nightmare,” detailing the heartbreaking loss of August, Hugo, and Goldie, as well as the destruction of her home. The page states that the three children were “the light and love of her life,” and the tragedy has shattered her entire world.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the online fundraiser had raised more than NZ$160,000 (approximately US$139,000) in donations from across New Zealand. Supporters have shared their heartfelt condolences, while friends of the mother expressed deep gratitude for the overwhelming generosity shown by the public.

“No amount of money will ever be enough to heal the wounds left in her heart and soul,” the page reads, “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 fundraiser’s creators thanked the nation for the “beautiful messages of love, thoughts and prayers, and the community spirit” that have helped to support the grieving mother in her darkest hour. The generosity from the people of New Zealand has given her a small measure of hope during a time of unspeakable pain.

The Fire and Police Response

On Saturday, at around 2:45 p.m., emergency services were alerted to a fire that had completely engulfed a property on SH1 in Sanson, a rural town located in the heart of Manawatu farming country. One local resident, who spoke to Stuff but wished to remain anonymous, recalled driving past the property while the fire was raging. “The house was well ablaze with thick, billowing smoke,” the man said.

According to the witness, two police officers, heavily armed with “big guns,” were seen running toward the burning house. The officers were reportedly dressed in black with masks on, indicating the severity of the situation. Fire engines were also at the scene, battling the intense flames. It’s unclear at this time what the police officers’ role was in the immediate aftermath of the fire, but their presence suggests that authorities were taking significant precautions, likely due to the ongoing investigation into the cause of the fire and the suspected nature of the deaths.

Ongoing Investigation and Suspicion of Murder-Suicide

As the investigation continues, police have yet to provide further details about the circumstances surrounding the tragic deaths. It is understood that they are treating the incident as a murder-suicide, with Dean Field suspected of killing his three children before taking his own life. However, authorities have declined to comment on the specifics of the deaths when approached by the media.

The investigation is still in its early stages, and police are working hard to piece together the events that led to the fire. They have asked the public to come forward with any information that may assist in their inquiries.

The community of Sanson, a small town in the Manawatu district, remains in shock over the loss. Many locals described the Fields as a “nice family,” and several people who had brief interactions with them have expressed disbelief at the events. Dean Field, the father, was known in the area as the managing director of Aster Transport and Mechanical Services, a business that deals in both heavy and light transport. He operated the business with his estranged wife, and the couple had a low public profile.

Local residents have been left grappling with the shock of such a tragedy occurring in their quiet town. The loss of three innocent children and the tragic end of a man known in the community have created a deep sense of grief and confusion.

Community Support and Donations Pour In

In the wake of this horrific tragedy, the community of Sanson and New Zealand as a whole has shown tremendous support for the surviving mother. The online fundraiser, created to assist with the financial burden she now faces, has become a powerful symbol of the compassion and solidarity that can emerge from even the most tragic events.

While no amount of money can bring back the lost lives or heal the emotional scars left by this unimaginable loss, the financial support will help provide some stability for the mother as she begins the long process of rebuilding her life. The fundraising page continues to attract donations from people across the country, and the outpouring of love and support has been a small but meaningful source of comfort for the grieving mother.

A Nation in Mourning

The deaths of August, Hugo, and Goldie, along with their father, Dean Field, have sent shockwaves through New Zealand. The country has come together in an effort to support the mother and honor the memories of the young children whose lives were tragically cut short.

As the investigation continues and authorities work to uncover the truth behind this devastating event, the focus remains on offering as much support as possible to the grieving mother. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community in times of unimaginable sorrow.

New Zealanders have shown extraordinary kindness and generosity in the wake of the incident, proving that even in the face of the most horrific tragedies, humanity and compassion will always prevail.