On Dec. 26 a devastating house fire in Gloucestershire killed Fionnghuala “Nu” Shearman, her children Eve (7) and Ohner (4), and the family dog Hutch. Their husband and father, serving police officer Tom Shearman, survived after attempting to rescue them and has issued an emotional statement. A GoFundMe appeal had raised over $473,000 toward a $538,000 goal to preserve Nu’s creative legacy and support the children’s interests. Police say the blaze is being treated as a tragic accident; emergency services and colleagues have offered condolences.
Father Pays Emotional Tribute After Wife, Two Children and Family Dog Die in Gloucestershire Boxing Day House Fire
Fionnghuala Shearman/Instagram; Ben Birchall/PA Images via GettyFionnghuala Shearman with her two children; Emergency services at the scene in Brimscombe Hill, near Stroud after a house fire
A father whose wife and two young children were killed in a house fire on Boxing Day in Gloucestershire has issued a heartfelt tribute to his family and thanked those who have supported him in the aftermath.
On Dec. 26, Fionnghuala Shearman — known to family and friends as Nu — and her children, Eve, 7, and Ohner, 4, died in a blaze at the family home. The family dog, Hutch, also perished. Their husband and father, serving police officer Thomas (Tom) Shearman, survived after attempting to rescue his wife and children.
Fionnghuala Shearman/InstagramFionnghuala Shearman with her two children
In a statement issued through Gloucestershire Constabulary on Jan. 1, Tom described the scale of his loss and expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support. He said he was “humbled beyond comprehension” by donations to a GoFundMe appeal set up after the tragedy, which had raised more than $473,000 toward a $538,000 target at the time of publication.
“Three of the greatest humans to ever grace our presence were taken from not just me, but all of us,” Tom wrote. He urged people to “take every opportunity to hug your loved ones and tell them you love them.”
Tom said some of the funds will be used to preserve his wife’s creative legacy in craft and design, support his daughter’s love of reading and nurture his son’s desire to help others. He offered “heartfelt thanks” to emergency services who responded and added, “In memory of Nu. Eve. Ohner. Hutch.”
Ben Birchall/PA Images via GettyEmergency services at the scene in Brimscombe Hill, near Stroud after a house fire
At a press briefing after the incident, Detective Superintendent Fletcher of Gloucestershire Police said the couple woke to the fire and were unable to reach the back bedroom because of the speed and intensity of the blaze. Fletcher said Tom smashed his way out of the house through a bathroom window in a desperate attempt to access the children’s bedroom from outside.
Police are treating the incident as a tragic accident rather than suspicious, according to authorities. Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service described itself as “deeply saddened” and extended condolences to the family, friends and all affected. The Gloucestershire Police Federation also paid tribute to their colleague and called the loss an “unimaginable tragedy.”
The community response — including fundraising and messages of support — has been substantial, with Tom thanking those who have contributed both financially and emotionally as he begins to plan ways to honour his family’s memory.
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