Isabella Nicholls, 21, died from severe burns after escaping a house fire in Buderim, on Australia's Sunshine Coast, leaving her baby son Elijah to grow up without her. Queensland Police are investigating the cause of the blaze, which broke out at 7:30pm on Sunday, July 19, at a unit complex on King Street.
Family's grief and fundraiser
Isabella's family described themselves as 'absolutely shattered' by her death. In a GoFundMe post to raise funds for her funeral, they wrote: 'Isabella was a devoted and loving mother to her beautiful baby boy, Elijah, who will now grow up without his mummy. Our family is absolutely shattered by this unimaginable loss, and the heartbreak is beyond words.'
'Isabella was a vibrant, kind, and beautiful soul with her whole life ahead of her. She had a smile that could light up any room and a contagious laugh that none of us will ever forget. She touched the lives of so many people with her warmth, compassion, and beautiful spirit, and her absence has left an irreplaceable void in all of our hearts.'
Photos shared with the statement show Isabella playing in a paddling pool with Elijah, as well as a photograph of the pair shortly after his birth.
Police investigation and appeal
A Queensland Police spokesperson said: 'Police are investigating a fatal fire at a unit complex at Buderim overnight, July 19. Emergency services were initially called to the King Street address around 7:30pm following reports one of the units in the complex was fully engulfed.'
'A 21-year-old Kallangur woman who was inside the unit was able to escape and was initially transported to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital with serious burns but has since died from her injuries. Residents of neighbouring units were also evacuated.'
The cause of the fire remains unknown, and investigations are ongoing. Police are appealing for anyone with relevant information or CCTV/dashcam footage to come forward. A 32-year-old woman was also reportedly injured in the fire but survived her wounds.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Policelink online or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1800 333 000.
