A grieving daughter has shared a heartfelt tribute to her father and his service dog, who tragically perished in a canal boat fire in Greater Manchester on Christmas Day. Emergency responders swiftly arrived at the scene of the blaze on the Leeds to Liverpool Canal near Crooke Marina in Wigan during the early hours of the holiday. The tragic incident involving a man and his loyal service dog, later identified as 43-year-old Gabriel Murphy and his companion Hugo, was confirmed.
Gabriel, also known as Philip, a kind father of three, was a former Army member and a paramedic at the North West Ambulance Service. Hugo, his faithful service dog, provided essential support to Gabriel for his PTSD after his military service, as disclosed by his daughter Juliette.
Following the devastating event, authorities launched an investigation, establishing a police cordon around the marina. Emergency teams remained at the site throughout Christmas Day, according to reports by the Manchester Evening News.
In a poignant message on Boxing Day, Juliette expressed her sorrow over the loss of her father and Hugo, thanking those who have extended their kindness and support. She initiated an online fundraiser to collect donations for her father’s funeral, describing him as a gentle man who carried unseen burdens.
The catastrophic fire not only claimed the lives of Gabriel and Hugo but also destroyed their boat, leaving behind no possessions or memories, intensifying the family’s grief. Heartbreaking footage shared online captured Gabriel spending time at a pub with friends on Christmas Eve, just hours before the tragic incident.
Juliette emphasized the devastating impact of losing her father and the missed opportunity to lay him and Hugo to rest together due to a mishap with Hugo’s ashes. The fundraiser aims to provide Gabriel a dignified farewell and assist Juliette in coping with the sudden loss and rebuilding her life. Contributions towards funeral expenses and practical support are welcomed to aid the family during this challenging period.
Friends and well-wishers can contribute to the fundraiser online to support Juliette during this difficult time. Tributes circulating on social media remember Gabriel as a “gentle giant” and a “good man greatly missed” in the community.