Funeral Planned for Field Siblings After Tragic House Fire

Funeral arrangements have been confirmed for three young siblings who tragically died in a house fire in Sanson, Manawatū, on March 3, 2024. The incident, which police are investigating as a murder-suicide, also claimed the life of their father, Dean Field. The children, August, Hugo, and Goldie Field, are remembered as vibrant young lives lost too soon.

Celebration of Life Service Scheduled

According to a report by RNZ, the Beauchamp Funeral Home in Palmerston North announced that a service to honor the children will take place on March 12, 2024, at 10:30 AM. Attendees are encouraged to wear bright colors as a tribute to the siblings. For those unable to attend in person, the funeral home will provide a livestream of the service.

The official funeral notice described the children as “beautiful angels taken too soon,” who are deeply missed by their mother, Chelsey Field, and their grandparents. The notice included a poignant message: “United with big sister Iris in heaven. Loved beyond measure.”

Mother’s Heartfelt Tribute

In an emotional statement released on March 8, 2024, Chelsey Field expressed her devastation over the loss of her children, stating they were “her absolute world.” She emphasized her desire for their joyful lives to be remembered rather than overshadowed by the tragedy of their deaths. “I enjoyed so much quality time with them… I will forever cherish all these special memories,” she said.

Field also shared the heartbreaking loss of her dog, Marlo, who perished in the fire, along with the ashes of her stillborn daughter, Iris. “Not only did I lose my children and my home that day, but I also lost our beloved miniature schnauzer, Marlo,” she lamented. “This incident has left me heartbroken and devastated. My children did not deserve this.”

Field fondly remembered each child: August, who would have turned eight on March 14, was described as a “happy, kind and outgoing boy” who loved football and fishing. Hugo, a recent school enrollee, was characterized as “kind, thoughtful and considerate,” with interests in dinosaurs and motorbikes. Goldie, the youngest, was just beginning to walk and was described as “the special little girl I had waited so long for.”

Goldie’s first words, Field noted, were “Hi” and “dog,” with “Marlo” coming before “Mum.”

Field expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support she has received from first responders, friends, and even strangers across New Zealand. A Givealittle fundraising page established to assist her has raised over $348,000 as of March 8, 2024. “I have felt the aroha of those around me… This support has given me the strength to carry on,” she said.

As investigations continue, police are performing forensic examinations at the incident scene and have advised that definitive answers may take time. Authorities are encouraging anyone with information related to the case to come forward.