Elihjohn O’Donnell’s memory to live on after fatal Lara house fire as newborn brother named in his honour

A Lara boy, who died in a horrific house fire in late 2022, will never get to meet his newborn brother. But Elihjohn O’Donnell’s memory will live on after the bub was named in his honour.

Kristie Ward with her newborn baby, Tarkyn, son, Braxton, and a framed photo of her late son, Elihjohn. Picture: Mark Wilson

Elihjohn O’Donnell, who died in a tragic house fire in Lara, will never meet his newborn brother.

But his memory will live on after the bub was named in his honour.

Mum Kristie Ward welcomed her new baby boy, Tarkyn Elihjohn Gaylard, on February 7, after the painful loss of her eldest son in December 2022.

Elihjohn, 12, died when a horrific blaze broke out at a property on Forest Rd North.

Elihjohn’s younger brother, Braxton, who was 10-years-old at the time, escaped the inferno.

The fire also claimed the life of family friend and war veteran Peter Cochrane, 74.

Ms Ward said her precious boy was “happy” and “outgoing”.

“He was a beautiful boy, I’m a very proud mum,” she said.

“What has kept us going is living the life that Elihjohn would have wanted us to live.

“He wouldn’t want us moping and dwelling on it.”

Ms Ward said Elihjohn’s death was “extremely hard” on their family, especially on Braxton, now 11-years-old.

“He didn’t just lose his brother, he lost his best mate,” she said.

“Braxton is a little hero in my eyes.”

Braxton, 11, with his newborn brother, Tarkyn. Picture: Mark Wilson

Elihjohn was due to start grade 6 in January last year at St Anthony’s Primary School in Lara and he had just been elected school captain.

This year, he was meant to start year 7 at St Joseph’s College in Newtown.

“All these milestones are very difficult but I’ve tried to do what Elihjohn would have wanted me to do and celebrate his life,” Ms Ward said.

An Indigenous mural was painted at St Anthony’s last year in honour of Elihjohn.

“It’s something that will always be there, which is really beautiful,” Ms Ward said.

Braxton with a mural for his late brother, Elihjohn, at St Anthony's Catholic Primary School in Lara. Picture: Supplied

The arrival of new baby Tarkyn has brought the family immense joy during a time of grief.

They still talk about their beloved son and brother every day.

“I’m a huge believer in reincarnation and Tarkyn is the first baby conceived after Elihjohn’s passing,” Ms Ward said.

“I feel a connection to him for that reason.

“With death, comes new life.”

Ms Ward hoped Elihjohn would be proud to see his brothers grow up.

She said she was grateful for the support she had received from loved ones and the community in the 14 months since the horrific blaze.

“It was hard to thank everyone (at the time), especially when you’re dealing with grief

“The support we’ve received has been immense.”

Arnold Thomas and Becker associate Shaun Colebrook is investigating the cause of the fire and will pursue any available compensation entitlements, on behalf of Ms Ward.

Originally published as Elihjohn O’Donnell’s memory to live on after fatal Lara house fire as newborn brother named in his honour