“I Want the Truth for My Children”: Chelsey Field Demands Full Report on Fatal Sanson Fire
The mother demanded to see all the evidence related to Dean Field. But when the police showed her a partially burned object in evidence bag #47, she burst into tears and couldn’t continue…

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Fatal Sanson fire: ‘It will take time to get answers for the family,’ say police

Warning: This story discusses suicide.

Police say it may be some time before they can provide answers to the family of four who died in a housefire in the Manawatū town of Sanson this month.

On Saturday, Manawatū Area Commander Inspector Ross Grantham confirmed the names of those who died in the 15 November blaze – Goldie May Iris Field, 1, Hugo John Field, 5, August James Field, 7, and 36-year-old Dean Michael Field.

Grantham said the whānau were receiving “wrap-around support”, as they dealt with the devastating loss, and acknowledged the grief felt throughout the community.

“The scene examination at the property has been completed and this was handed back to family on Thursday morning,” he said.

Grantham stressed that the investigation into the fatal incident remained active.

“Police’s investigation into the fatal incident is ongoing and it will take time for us to get answers for the family,” Grantham said.

“We would like to acknowledge the community for their outpouring of support for the family, as they come to terms with this tragedy.

“I would also like to thank the many police staff who have worked tirelessly over the last week and continue to work on this difficult investigation.”

Police have not released any further details about the cause of the fire.

Suspected homicide

Police previously confirmed the deaths were being treated as a homicide and that they were not seeking anyone else in relation to the investigation.

Police said three of the victims were burned, and one was not. Grantham confirmed that the adult male – understood to be Dean Field – was not killed by the fire, but would not say whether he was dead when firefighters arrived.

Flowers left at the Sanson address on Tuesday. Photo: Jimmy Ellingham / RNZ

Grantham has said the fire igniting in the middle of the afternoon was “unusual” and investigators were combing the site methodically, due to ongoing structural risks and dust exposure.

‘My babies were my absolute world’

The children’s mother, Chelsey Field, who was not at the house at the time of the fire, has spoken publicly about her loss and the lives of her children.

Chelsey with Goldie at eight days old. Photo: Supplied

“August, Hugo and Goldie were taken from me and all those who love them in the most horrible of circumstances, but I do not want their deaths to define the important, beautiful lives that they lived,” she said on Friday.

“My babies were my absolute world. We had so much fun together and many holidays away.

“I will forever cherish all these special memories.”

She said the support from first responders, friends and strangers around the country had helped her keep going.

“I have felt the aroha of those around me, in my community and around the country.”

Funeral to celebrate children’s lives

A funeral service for August, Hugo and Goldie will be held on Tuesday in Palmerston North at 10.30am.

August, Hugo and Goldie Photo: Supplied

In a notice from Beauchamp Funeral Home, the service was described as a day to celebrate the children’s lives and mourners have been asked to wear bright colours.

In her statement, Field painted a picture of her three children:

August, who would have turned eight next week, was a “happy, kind and outgoing boy”, who loved football, stock cars and fishing, and who doted on his baby sister.
Hugo was “such a Mama’s boy…. kind, thoughtful and considerate”, proud of his reading and counting, and always helping with his sister’s nappies and bags.
Goldie was the “special little girl I had waited so long for”, a cruisy, smiley toddler, whose first words were “Hi” and “dog”, and who loved cuddles, music and following her brothers around.

August, Hugo and Goldie. Photo: Supplied

Support from around Aotearoa

A Givealittle page set up by friends of Field has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, as New Zealanders respond to what many have described as an unimaginable loss.

Hugo (at 12 months) and Chelsey. Photo: Supplied

The page said the children “were the light and love of her life, and her entire world has been shattered”, and notes she also lost her home and possessions in the fire.

Field has thanked donors for their generosity, saying the support has given her a “safety net”, as she faces the months and years ahead.

According to the website, by 22 November, $386,627 has been donated.