Jack Bajric, 16, dies in house fire at Alkira Ave, Cessnock

A small Hunter community is mourning the loss of a “smart and mischievous” teenager in a devastating house fire. Now they’re coming together to help in time of tragedy.

Jack Bajric, 16, died after being caught in a house fire at Cessnock on July 28, 2024. Credit: Nine News

Despite suffering severe autism and being non-verbal, 16-year-old Jack Bajric made the most of life.

The teenager from Cessnock “absolutely” loved the water, was a little mischievous and was described as having a “beautiful soul”.

He was his sister Tylah’s biggest fan, one of the best memories of her brother being a necklace the nine-year-old got from him at Christmas.

“There was a lot of love between them,” cousin Cindy Davies told this publication.

“He was a very smart kid and when he was happy, he was extremely happy.

16-year-old Jack Bajric was described as a “beautiful soul”. Supplied.

Jack Bajric died in a house fire on July 28. Supplied.

The home in Cessnock became a crime scene. Credit: Nine News

“He was well aware of what was going on around him and he understood people. He was a great boy to be around.”

The tight-knit Hunter community is now trying to come to terms with the teen’s death after a fire ripped through his home on Sunday night.

Jack absolutely loved the water. Credit: GoFundMe page

It is believed the 16-year-old – affectionately known as “Jacky boy” – had fallen asleep in front of a heater at the Alkira Ave residence at about 10pm on Sunday before his pillow caught alight and the fire began to spread.

Firefighters dragged the teenager from the burning home but sadly, after efforts to save him, he could not be revived.

His sister Tylah was also inside at the time but luckily a friend helped her escape.

“It makes me sad because he was obviously woken up and was aware of the danger because he went to his room, it was his safe place and that’s where he got trapped,” Ms Davies added.

Jack as a younger kid. Supplied.

In a bid to ease the financial pressure for Jack’s family in this tough time, Ms Davies has put together a GoFundMe page which has continued to gather support from the local community.

As of Tuesday afternoon, almost $2000 had been raised and climbing.

Hoping this small gesture will help a grieving mother who has had her heart broken at the lost of a child.

“I don’t think she is coping at the moment, she has shut herself away from everybody,” Ms Davies explained.

“We’re here to support her in whatever way we can. Giving Jack a farewell that he deserves.

“He deserves the best farewell that he can get.”

And with no working smoke alarms in the home at the time, Ms Davies pleaded with other families to ensure they have them checked regularly to avoid more tragedies.

“A smoke alarm is very important, it is up to us to make sure those devices are working, it’s vital to have them working especially with children in the house,” she said.

The teen’s death also triggered an outpouring of grief from the community, with a flurry of heartfelt tributes being posted on social media.

“Fly high young man, RIP sweetheart,” one woman said.

Another commented, “may you rest in peace mate fly high and spring your wings.”

While another posted, “RIP taken too soon”.

Following the fire, Hunter Valley police established a crime scene and will investigate the circumstances surrounding the blaze.