Father Who Lost 2 Kids and Wife in House Fire the Day After Christmas Pays Emotional Tribute to ‘the Greatest Humans’

A father whose wife and two young children were killed in a house fire the day after Christmas has shared a deeply emotional tribute to his family.

On Friday, Dec. 26, Fionnghuala Shearman — known to friends and family as Nu — died alongside her children, daughter Eve, 7, and son Ohner, 4, as well as the family dog, Hutch, in a fire at their home in Gloucestershire, U.K. Fionnghuala’s husband, Thomas Shearman, a serving police officer, survived after making desperate attempts to rescue his family.

In a statement released through Gloucestershire Constabulary, Tom expressed gratitude to the many people who donated to his GoFundMe appeal, saying he was “humbled beyond comprehension” by the outpouring of support.

“Three of the greatest humans to ever grace our presence were taken from not just me, but all of us,” Tom said, urging others to “take every opportunity to hug your loved ones and tell them you love them.”

“My life, the lives of my loved ones, my friends and the whole community changed on Boxing Day,” he continued. “My family had its very core, its very essence, ripped from it in the most violent way.”

At the time of publication, the fundraising appeal had raised more than $473,000 toward its $538,000 goal. Tom said some of the funds would be used to ensure that his “unbelievably talented, empathetic, compassionate and beautiful wife’s legacy of craft, design and making lives on.” He also shared plans to honor his daughter’s love of reading and his son’s desire to help others.

He concluded his message by offering “heartfelt thanks” to the emergency services who “tried everything to save my wonderful family.”

“In memory of Nu. Eve. Ohner. Hutch,” he added.

Speaking at a press conference after the tragedy, Detective Superintendent Fletcher of Gloucestershire Police confirmed that both parents had woken to the fire. He explained that they were unable to reach the back bedroom because of the intensity of the blaze. Tom escaped through a bathroom window and attempted to reach the children’s room from outside, detailing his frantic efforts to save them. The incident is not being treated as suspicious and is believed to have been a tragic accident.

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service said it was “deeply saddened by the tragic news,” adding that its thoughts and condolences were with the family, friends, and everyone affected. Gloucestershire Police Federation also paid tribute to their colleague, calling the loss an “unimaginable tragedy” and saying it was impossible to fully comprehend what had happened.