Family and friends of Abby Hodge are in mourning following confirmation of the 13 year old girl’s tragic death as a result of a house fire in Kincumber.
At about 12:30am on Wednesday, February 19, emergency services were called to a home on Scaysbrook Dve, following reports of a house fire.
On arrival, officers found the home well alight.
Family members, including a mother, father and two of their children, a boy aged 14 and a girl aged 7, were outside the home.
Abby however was unaccounted for.
Fire and Rescue NSW officers entered the home searching for the missing teenager and found her unconscious in the bathroom after breaking down a locked door.
She was removed from the home and treated at the scene, but sadly died on the way to hospital.
Brisbane Water Police District Chief Inspector, Paul Nicholls, addressed media about the incident later that morning and said a full investigation into the fire was underway, with its cause yet to be determined.
At this stage, we do not believe the fire was linked to the heavy storms,” he said.
“We understand there were smoke alarms inside the house, which were activated.
“The investigation is in its early stages and it is too early to speculate on where in the house the fire might have started.
“We need to interview witnesses and workers who attended the scene in order to prepare a full report for the Coroner.”
Chief Inspector Nicholls said Hodge’s family was “naturally devastated” and there has been an outpouring of grief from friends of the local community.
“Incidents such as these are always traumatic, especially when they involve a young child.”
He said systems were in place to offer support to first responders.
“It is the unfortunate nature of the job that we sometimes get called to incidents such as this, but there are support systems available,” Chief Insp Nicholls said.
Kincumber High School Principal, Brent Walker, says counselling services are available to the school community, following the death of Abby Hodge, who was a Year 8 student at the school.
“We are all deeply saddened by the sudden passing of one of our students overnight.
“The school has extended its deepest sympathy to Abby’s family and friends.
“Students, staff and community members will seek comfort from each other in their memories of Abby, and counselling has been arranged and will remain available as necessary.
“Our thoughts rest with the family, but know that the school community’s support will be invaluable at this difficult time,” Walker said.
Source:
Media release, Feb 19
NSW Police Media
Press conference, Feb 19
Chief Insp Paul Nicholls, Brisbane Water PD
Kincumber High School Website, Feb 19
Principal, Brent Walker