The family of Isabella Nicholls, a 21-year-old mother who died from severe burns after escaping a house fire in Buderim, Australia, has described their loss as 'unimaginable' and 'absolutely shattered'. Nicholls made it out of the burning property on King Street around 7:30pm on Sunday, July 19, but succumbed to her injuries while being treated at the Royal Brisbane Women's Hospital.
Family's Heartbreak
In a statement released via a GoFundMe page set up to cover funeral costs, Nicholls' family expressed their devastation. 'Isabella was a devoted and loving mother to her beautiful baby boy, Elijah, who will now grow up without his mummy,' they wrote. 'Our family is absolutely shattered by this unimaginable loss, and the heartbreak is beyond words.'
They remembered her as '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.' The family released photos of Nicholls playing with Elijah in a paddling pool and holding him shortly after his birth.
Police Investigation
Queensland Police are investigating the cause of the fire, which remains unknown. A spokesperson said emergency services were called to the unit complex on King Street at around 7:30pm following reports that one unit was fully engulfed in flames. '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,' the spokesperson added.
Residents of neighboring units were evacuated, and a 32-year-old woman was also injured in the blaze but survived. Police are urging anyone with information, CCTV, or dashcam footage to come forward via Policelink or Crime Stoppers, quoting reference number QP2601400544.
