A mother of two died from injuries sustained in a backyard barbecue accident while attempting to roast marshmallows for her children. Charlotte Rose-Ann Hill, 38, was setting up the barbecue at her Sydney home when the incident occurred.
Her son, 11, and daughter, 7, were in the backyard during the accident. They alerted their father, who was preparing to leave for work, after their mother began screaming. The children's father was able to administer first aid and transport Hill to a hospital. Her son reportedly used his jacket to try and extinguish the flames.
Bianca Hill, Charlotte's cousin, assisted with transferring Hill to a secondary hospital better equipped for burn treatment, traveling with her in the ambulance. During this time, Charlotte was reportedly in significant pain but maintained her spirits.
Although Charlotte Hill survived her initial surgery, she later died in the hospital due to medical complications. Her family had been hopeful for her recovery, noting she had been alert and speaking with her children by phone.
"We'll never hear her laugh again," Bianca Hill told news.com.au. "We're just so deeply heartbroken for her children."
Charlotte's cousin described her as a generous, kind person with a big heart who was devoted to her children's happiness. The family noted the profound tragedy of her death, as Charlotte had experienced the loss of her own mother as a child and had always wanted to shield her own children from similar pain.
A GoFundMe campaign has been established by Bianca Hill to support Charlotte's children, aiming to assist with their healing, educational goals, and overall stability.
"It's important for all of us to hold hands as a village and support," Bianca Hill emphasized. "Even if it's not your kid, if it's someone, you know, someone you know who's gone through something like that, it's just kindness is just key to so many things, but especially for children growing up."