A daughter grieving the loss of her father and his loyal service dog in a tragic canal boat fire in Greater Manchester on Christmas Day has shared a heartfelt tribute. The incident took place in Wigan along the Leeds to Liverpool Canal near Crooke Marina, prompting swift responses from emergency services in the early hours of the morning. Authorities confirmed that the victims of the fire were identified as 43-year-old Gabriel Murphy and his service dog, Hugo.
Gabriel, also known as Philip, was a kind father of three, an Army veteran, and a paramedic for the North West Ambulance Service. His daughter, Juliette, revealed that Hugo had been a crucial companion to Gabriel, providing support for his PTSD from his military service.
Following the tragic event, an investigation was launched, and a police cordon was established around the marina. Juliette expressed her devastation in a post on Boxing Day, thanking those who had offered support and kindness. She initiated an online fundraiser to collect donations for her father’s funeral, describing him as a gentle man who carried inner pain despite his outward demeanor.
The blaze not only claimed Gabriel and Hugo’s lives but also destroyed the boat, leaving no possessions or memories intact. Juliette shared that due to the fire, there were no belongings left from the boat, and Hugo’s ashes were mistakenly discarded, preventing them from being laid to rest together. The fundraiser aims to provide a dignified farewell for Gabriel and practical support for Juliette as she copes with the sudden loss.
Contributions to the fundraiser can be made online to support the family during this difficult time. Tributes on social media have remembered Gabriel as a “gentle giant” and a “good man” who will be deeply missed.