Updated ,first published
A 21-year-old Moreton Bay woman who died after suffering severe burns on the Sunshine Coast has been described as a spirited and dedicated young mother, as police continue to investigate whether the fire was set deliberately.
Emergency services were called to reports of a King Street unit in Buderim being gutted by fire at 7.30pm on Sunday.
Kallangur woman Isabella Nicholls was inside at the time and was unable to escape before suffering serious and life-threatening burns.
A 32-year-old woman known to Nicholls was also inside when the fire broke out, but managed to escape before it took off.
Firefighters extinguished the fire about an hour later.
Police said a neighbor treated Nicholls for his burns, before he was rushed to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.
He died from his injuries at around 4.30am on Monday.
In a statement on Monday, Nicholls’ family described her as a “devoted and loving mother to her wonderful son” and said they were “absolutely devastated” by her death.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the tragic loss of our beautiful Isabella Nicholls.
“Despite the incredible efforts of the medical team, our dear girl passed away surrounded by her loving family at the Royal Brisbane Women’s Hospital.
“Our family is completely devastated by this unimaginable tragedy, and the grief is overwhelming.
“Isabella was a warm, kind and beautiful person with her whole life ahead of her. She had a smile that could light up any room and an infectious laugh that none of us will ever forget.”
Robert Lowry, from the Criminal Investigation Branch in the Sunshine Coast district, said a crime incident was reported to the unit on Monday.
“The area was being attended to by all emergency services,” he said.
“I sympathize with the family of the deceased, and I understand that the family is also receiving support.”
Lowry said the investigation is in the early stages, but police were speaking with people who were assisting with their investigation.
Residents of neighboring units were evacuated when the fire broke out but have returned to their homes.
His family has set up a gofundme page to help pay for his funeral and memorial service.
Get notified about important breaking news. Sign up for our Breaking News Alert.
