Young mother, 21, dies in horror blaze as baby son faces life ‘without his mummy’

Isabella Nicholls’ family said they were ‘ absolutely shattered by this unimaginable loss’, describing their heartbreak as ‘beyond words’ – police are now investigating the fire

A tiny tot is set to grow up without his mum after she tragically passed away in a fire now being investigated by police.

Isabella Nicholls, just 21-years-old, managed to escape the fire at a home in Buderim, on Australia’s Sunshine Coast. She was taken to Royal Brisbane Women’s Hospital, where she sadly died from the serious burns.

Queensland Police said the blaze took hold at 7:30pm on Sunday (July 19) and officers are now appealing for information as they investigate the cause of the inferno.

Isabella’s death has ‘absolutely shattered’ her family, her loved ones said. Her young son, Elijah, will now have to grow up ‘without his mummy’, they added.

“Isabella was a devoted and loving mother to her beautiful baby boy, Elijah, who will now grow up without his mummy,” her family said in a post on GoFundMe to raise cash for her funeral.

“Our family is absolutely shattered by this unimaginable loss, and the heartbreak is beyond words.

“Isabella was a vibrant, kind, and beautiful soul with her whole life ahead of her. She had a smile that could light up any room and a contagious laugh that none of us will ever forget.

“She touched the lives of so many people with her warmth, compassion, and beautiful spirit, and her absence has left an irreplaceable void in all of our hearts.”

Images shared with the statement show Isabella, originally from Kallangur in Queensland, playing in a paddling pool with Elijah. Her family also shared a photograph of the duo shortly after the tot was born.

Cops are now probing the fire, asking witnesses to come forward.

A spokesperson for Queensland Police said: “Police are investigating a fatal fire at a unit complex at Buderim overnight, July 19.

“Emergency services were initially called to the King Street address around 7:30pm following reports one of the units in the complex was fully engulfed.

“A 21-year-old Kallangur woman who was inside the unit was able to escape and was initially transported to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital with serious burns but has since died from her injuries.

“Residents of neighbouring units were also evacuated.

“The cause of the fire remains unknown, and investigations are ongoing. Anyone who may have relevant information or CCTV/dashcam footage to come forward.”

Another woman, 32, was reportedly injured in the blaze, but has survived her wounds.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting .

Quote this reference number: QP2601400544

Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers . Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au .