Two children identified after Bowen Mountain fire — Kids News

kids news: Myla Summer-Lea Hughes, 10, and River William Higgins, 3, were identified as the two children who died in the Bowen Mountain house fire in Sydney's far northwest on Monday.

Their names were shared in an online crowdfunding campaign set up with the support of their parents, Skye Hughes and David Higgins. By Thursday morning, the fundraiser had reached more than $47,000 and was set up to help with funeral expenses, living costs and counselling.

Natasha Holden fundraiser

Natasha Holden, a family friend, organised the campaign. On the fundraiser page, she said, "These precious lives were deeply loved, and this unimaginable tragedy has left the family facing profound grief, trauma and overwhelming loss". The family statement also said, "This heartbreaking reality makes this unimaginable loss even more devastating for all who loved them."

Skye Hughes and David Higgins also wrote, "Your kindness has carried us through our darkest hours, and we are profoundly grateful for every act of support." Their names were made public as the family began asking for help after the fire.

Bowen Mountain fire response

Rural Fire Service Superintendent Jonathon Hill said firefighters arrived when the blaze had burned through much of the home's roof cavity. The fire caused a roof collapse and structural damage, and about 60 firefighters brought it under control at about 3.30am.

David Higgins and three other children were discharged from Nepean Hospital on Tuesday. Before the fire, Skye Hughes had moved to Queensland with one of her children, and the rest of the family had planned to fly to join her on the day the fire broke out.

Susan Templeman statement

Bowen Mountain is described as a close-knit community of less than 2000 people, and the fire is not being treated as suspicious. Susan Templeman said on social media, "News of two deaths and others taken to hospital after a house fire at Bowen Mountain is deeply distressing" and added, "Sincere condolences to the family and local residents in this close-knit Bowen Mountain community."

The fundraiser remains the clearest way for readers to help the family now, with money already being directed toward funeral costs, living expenses and counselling after the deaths of the two children.