'Ethan decided he didn't want his daddy to be alone': Heartbreaking family tribute to boy, four, who died along with his father after devastating house fire - as friends donate £30,000 to help grieving relatives
- Ethan Mason and father Barry died following blaze in Wigan on Sunday
A four-year-old boy killed after a devastating house fire 'didn't want his daddy to be alone' after his father also perished in the blaze, his heartbroken family said last night.
Ethan Mason was pulled from the burning building in Wigan by his brave father Barry, 45, who reportedly ran back inside to try and save his son after the inferno broke out at around 1am on Sunday.
Barry tragically died later that day before Ethan too succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday after undergoing major surgery in hospital.
In a heartbreaking tribute on social media, Ethan's aunt and Barry's sister-in-law Jessica Wilson wrote: 'Little Ethan decided he didn't want his daddy to be alone, and he is now back in his arms.'
Ms Wilson has since set up a GoFundMe page to help her grieving relatives, which has so far raised nearly £30,000.
Ethan Mason (pictured) was pulled from the burning building on Warrington Road, Wigan, by his brave father Barry Mason at around 1am on Sunday
Emergency services responded to reports of a house fire at around 2.30am on Sunday, with neighbours reportedly being woken by the sound of screaming.
Ethan's aunt and Barry's sister-in-law Jessica Wilson took to Facebook to pay tribute to the pair
She added: 'As a family we are completely broken but want to thank every single one of you for your love and support.
'Please, if you can, still donate as devastatingly we now have two funerals to arrange and so many costs to cover after the fire has destroyed not only my beautiful sisters life but everything her and the kids have owned.'
Greater Manchester Police said four people were still receiving treatment for injuries from the fire.
Detective Inspector Lee Gridley, from GMP's Wigan district, said: 'This is a devastating incident and all of our thoughts are with the family of this young boy, who had his entire life ahead of him.
'Together with the earlier death, this is a tragedy for the Wigan community and I know that many people will be shocked by this heartbreaking news. I hope people will join us in sending their absolute best wishes to all those involved in this incident, as they begin their journey in the healing process.'
Emergency services responded to reports of a house fire at around 2.30am on Sunday, with neighbours reportedly being woken by the sound of screaming.
The raging fire engulfed the semi-detached home, with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service confirming that the blaze first broke out in the kitchen before then spreading to the roof.
Pictures from the burned-out building show how the fire had left a gaping hole in the two-storey property.
Ethan died in hospital on Tuesday, police said, after being place into an induced coma and undergoing major surgery
Ethan's family said he had been rushed to hospital following the brave rescue mission carried out by his father, having suffered burns to 86 per cent burns of his body.
A post shared on social media revealed their hope that he might pull through after suffering life-changing injuries.
They wrote: 'He's been down to surgery again last night to try and get blood flowing again in one of his legs. From what I hear it has gone well.
'He is still in an induced coma and will be for some time. The initial diagnosis of 85% burn to his body, has now been reduced to 70%.
'I know this doesn't sound like a big difference but it does increase his chances slightly.'
However, police sadly confirmed today that a four-year-old boy had died this morning due to his serious injuries.
They added that following initial enquiries into the fire, officers do not believe that there are any suspicious circumstances involved.
Writing on a GoFundMe page, Jessica said: 'We are all absolutely heartbroken, but my sister and her other children have lost absolutely everything.'
Barry's name has not been confirmed by the police but it has been disclosed on social media.
Those who donated money to Barry's funeral costs shared dozens of tributes to the dedicated father.
One touching message read: 'Barry - a gentle giant and family man to the end. A privilege to have worked with you.
'You excelled in everything you did, and your kindness knew no bounds. My heart is broken for your family at such a loss.
'You were truly one of the good ones.'
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue are continuing to investigate the causes of the fire and are in regular contact with officers.
'While we are not treating the incident as suspicious, if anyone has any information they believe is important, please do get in touch with us. You can do this by calling police on 101, quoting log 393 of 14/04/2024,' added Det Insp Gridley.
The family have asked for their privacy as they come to terms with their loss, and have asked for people to respect their grieving process, police said.
