A grieving father has paid an emotional tribute to his eight-year-old daughter, Iliza, who died in a house fire deliberately started by her mother, Danielle, in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, in 2024. Gary Brereton described Iliza as a 'compassionate, self-assured young girl' who 'always had a smile on her face' and loved organising their father-daughter adventures.
During an inquest into the deaths, Gary said: 'I could never plan our time together as Iliza already had it mapped out and we would go and do as she requested. She loved visiting her brothers and making good memories. I'm glad we had so many good times and pictures to look back on.' He also highlighted her academic excellence, noting she regularly earned Star of the Week and the Headteacher's Award.
Iliza died in hospital after the fire, which was intentionally set by her mother. The coroner ruled that Danielle took her own life and unlawfully killed Iliza, after posting a 19-minute apology video on YouTube before the incident. Assistant coroner Caroline Chandler identified multiple 'missed opportunities' in Danielle's care, despite her having revealed suicidal intentions, and noted that medical staff failed to seek the children's perspectives or involve safeguarding services.
Following the inquest, Iliza's family released a statement: 'Iliza tragically died in a house fire which was deliberately caused by Danielle Parkinson. She was a much loved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece and cousin. Her loss had a devastating and life-changing impact on her family, particularly her father Gary. Gary has spoken of his profound grief and heartbreak he has endured since losing Iliza in such a tragic and senseless manner, a pain that he continues to bear every day.'
