💔 HEARTBREAKING UPDATE: GOLD COAST GRANDFATHER DI-ES AFTER H0RRIFIC ARSON ATT-ACK—AS HIS LOVED ONES FACE AN IRREPLACEABLE L0SS…
‘This has been the most heartbreaking time of our lives.’
A Gold Coast grandfather has died after his family home was torched on Tuesday night, despite neighbours rushing to save those trapped inside.
Four people were inside the Hope Island home when flames erupted leaving Bob Marsh, 85, and his daughter Kathy Windsor, 59, fighting for life.
The family says a 38-year-old man removed keys from deadlocks to trap them inside before hurling firebombs at the property.
Hero neighbours Bijl-Kakoi and Meihana Pauling rushed to their rescue as the family desperately tried to escape.
“Screaming, ‘Oh, my ex is trying to kill us, my ex is trying to kill us’,” Bijl-Kakoi said of the screams coming from the home.
“They were banging on the garage from the inside. I mean, Eli just had to grab it with two hands and yank it open,” Pauling said.
“I think anyone would have helped in that situation,” Bijl-Kakoi added.
Police on Thursday announced Bob had tragically succumbed to his injuries and died in hospital.
Kathy broke her back leaping from a balcony to escape the flames, while her new partner also suffered critical burns in the attack. Her adult son avoided injury.
The arsonist was found dead inside the home.
“It just highlights the fragility of human relationships,” Detective Superintendent Chris Ahearn said.
Police had been called to the home just last week. The arsonist was subject to a domestic violence order.
Authorities are urging anyone experiencing domestic violence to seek help.
“Any violence is absolutely unacceptable and people need to call it out and report it to the authorities,” Ahearn said.
“The horror that would have gone on in that household last night is unimaginable. And will keep rippling through the community for a long time to come,” DV lawyer Kathleen Simpson said.
In a statement, the family said: “This has been the most heartbreaking time of our lives. The kindness, generosity and compassion of others will help us begin to heal and rebuild.”
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call triple-0.
For advice and counselling for men concerned about their use of family violence call 1300 766 491.
SOURCE: https://7news.com.au/news/gold-coast-grandfather-fights-for-life-after-arson-attack-at-hope-island-home-c-22516057
