Jake Symons shares tribute to Maddy and Desmond after Emerald house fire
A father has shared a gut-wrenching farewell to his young children killed in an Emerald fire as police appeal for community help to establish how the inferno started.
*Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this story contains images of people who are deceased.
The father of two children who died in a horrific house fire in Central Queensland has shared heart breaking tributes, saying he was sorry he was not there for his ‘little princess’ when she was tragically taken.
Maddy Jane Symons, 1, and her little brother Desmond James Patrick Symons, five months, died in a house fire in Emerald on Thursday, November 6.
The fire also claimed the life of local man Mathew Chilly and a 15-year-old girl.
In a heartbreaking post, the father of the two youngest victims, Jake Symons described his children as his “everything.”
“My first born girl Maddy Jane Symons named after her poppy that she’s now with.
“My little MJ the memories we got is priceless,” he said.
“My Maddy moo, my first love, my everything … dad’s number one baby I’m sorry I wasn’t there my little princess.”
Talking of his son Desmond, Mr Symons spoke of plans that would remain unfulfilled.
“My lil man, my best little mate, couldn’t wait till that day we was meant to kick the footy around and crack a VB.”
A GoFundMe has been launched to raise $15,000 to help pay for the children’s funeral costs.
Already more than $7000 has been pledged.
Police are appealing for anyone with information, CCTV or cashcam footage between 6am and 7am along Opal Street to come forward.
A 25-year-old woman and a 38-year-old woman, both from Emerald, escaped the fire and were taken to hospital for treatment.
Detective Acting Inspector Brett Richard said this had been a traumatic incident for the families involved, the community and all emergency services.
“It has been a very sad and tragic scene, and we have a lot of families gathering around to provide support to each other,” Detective Acting Inspector Richard said.
“Support will be provided to the families and responding emergency services.”
Det Act Insp Richard confirmed the two women who were in hospital had been discharged.
It is believed the mother of the infants was one of those women.
Sally Woulfe, who launched the GoFundMe said her nephew Jake had “lost his entire world”.
“In one night, Jake lost everything — his babies, his home, and every belonging he owned.
“As a young father, he is now facing the unimaginable pain of having to lay both of his children to rest.
“Our family is shattered. Maddison was full of life and laughter, always smiling and curious about the world around her.
“Little Desmond was a gentle, happy baby whose laughter brought light to everyone who met him.
“Their bond was pure love — and they were taken far too soon.”
“We are reaching out to the community for help to raise $15,000 to cover funeral expenses and to help Jake begin to rebuild his life.”
Family friend Jack Bateman, who knew fire victim Mathew Chilly for many years, said “there is going to be hurt all over for him”
“He was a good friend of mine, my uncle, just a good person.
“I am sending all my love to the family. “I just want to hug them all and make them all feel better.”
A stream of friends and family members have visited the scene of the Opal Street fire to lay flowers, teddy bears and toys as they struggle to come to terms with the incredible loss. School children have also visited the site.
A spokesperson for the Department of Education said the entire Emerald community was deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic losses.
“Our thoughts and sincere sympathies are with the family, caregivers, friends and loved ones of everyone impacted during this difficult time,” he said.
The department is providing support to students and staff at impacted schools, with guidance officers available as an ongoing source of support as needed.
Lifeline volunteers were also seen door knocking neighbours in the street to check on people.
