Note: This article includes the name and images of a deceased Indigenous person.
A community mourns as a mother and her two sons, who lost their lives in a tragic house fire in Gladstone, are fondly remembered for their vibrant spirits and kind hearts.
In a heartfelt statement released by the families today, and shared by Glenn Butcher, the Member of Parliament for Gladstone in Queensland, a tribute was paid to 36-year-old Jordana Johnson and the two 12-year-old boys, Jordan Norris and Chazz Mather.
“On Wednesday, October 15, in Yallarm (Gladstone), we lost three beautiful souls,” the statement began. “Jordana Johnson, Jordan Norris, and Chazz Mather are our nutchum, our whanau, our family.”
Jordana Johnson was cherished as a devoted mother whose warmth and affection left a lasting impact on all who knew her, especially her beloved son, Jordan.
“Jordana was a devoted mother with a big heart, her children were her world,” the statement said.
“Her love extended to her family and friends and she always willing to help anyone in need.”
The two boys were said “to be more than friends, they were brothers”, and are remembered for their outgoing personality and fun-loving nature.
“Jordan was fun, playful and cheeky, protective of his Mum, his sisters, and his friends,” the statement said.
“Chazz was an outgoing and loving soul with a cheeky attitude who always looked out for the people he loved.”
The families thanked Butcher and Gladstone Mayor Matt Burnett, as well as first responders from Queensland Police and Queensland Fire Service.
They have also requested no distressing images or footage from the house fire.
A community gathering will be held at Barney Point Beach on Saturday from 9,30am AEST, where “family, friends and members of the community” will be invited to pay their respects and remember the lives of Johnson, Norris and Mather.
A GoFundMe page has also been created that has raised over $23,000 at the time of writing.
“The donations received will go directly to Jordana’s two daughters to start over who lost everything of their mother’s home and Chazz’s mother and seven siblings as both families navigate and rebuild after such a devastating loss,” the page said.
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