A courageous four-year-old boy, who valiantly shielded his baby siblings from a tragic shed fire, has tragically passed away in the hospital.
Isaac McGregor was engrossed in play inside the garden shed with his sisters, Mavis (six), and Ashlynn (18 months), along with his three-year-old brother, Saige, at their family residence in Corio, situated southwest of Melbourne. It was a Saturday morning when an unexpected fire ignited, primarily involving a couch.
Jasmine Beck, his mother, who is 26 years old, reacted swiftly, rushing outside to attempt the rescue of all four children. To her immense bravery and grief, she found Isaac, her eldest son, using his diminutive body as a shield, protecting his younger brother and sister from the raging flames.
Heartbreakingly, Saige and Ashlynn lost their lives at the scene, while Isaac and Mavis were swiftly transported to the Royal Children’s Hospital, both in critical condition, accompanied by their father, Kane McGregor. Their bodies bore severe burns, covering approximately 80 percent of their skin.
Tragically, on Wednesday, a close friend confirmed via GoFundMe that Isaac had ‘earned his wings’ and had been reunited with his baby brother and sister.
A spokesperson for Victoria Police officially confirmed this devastating news.
“He will forever be remembered as the brave young boy who sacrificed his life in an attempt to protect his siblings,” the update conveyed heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of support and donations from the community.
Isaac’s passing occurred just hours after his father, Mr. McGregor, shared with television reporters that he couldn’t be prouder of his eldest son. He revealed Ms. Beck’s account of the incident, emphasizing Isaac’s selflessness.
“She [Ms. Beck] mentioned that once she finally managed to move the couch and retrieve Mavis, Isaac had embraced the other two underneath him, shielding them from the flames until he succumbed,” he recounted with deep emotion. “They managed to resuscitate him and flew him to Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital. I couldn’t be prouder of him, truly.”
Mr. McGregor, choking back tears, pondered, “What kind of four-year-old would selflessly protect their two younger siblings like that?”
During the unfortunate incident, Mr. McGregor was not present at home.
“As I was leaving, Isaac ran up to me, giving me a hug and a kiss,” he reminisced. “An hour later, I received the phone call… I haven’t even come to terms with it yet; I’m here with the other two.”
Victoria Police reported that detectives from the Arson and Explosives Squad were investigating the incident, though it is currently not being treated as suspicious.
Police Inspector Emma Bartel disclosed that neighbors had bravely attempted to rescue the children before the arrival of emergency services.
A comprehensive report will be prepared for the coroner to shed light on this heart-wrenching tragedy.
