In a heartbreaking incident, an 8-year-old girl named Iliza Brereton has tragically lost her life in a house fire in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. The fire, which was deliberately started by Iliza’s mother, Danielle Parkinson, also claimed the life of the mother.
Gary Brereton, Iliza’s devastated father, has paid an emotional tribute to his cherished daughter, describing her as a kind-hearted, confident young girl who “always had a smile on her face” and loved spending time with her siblings. He fondly remembered how Iliza would plan their special father-daughter outings, always ensuring they did activities she requested.
“I could never plan our time together as Iliza already had it mapped out and we would go and do as she requested,” Gary reminisced during an inquest into the deaths of Iliza and her mother.
Iliza was a high-achieving student, frequently receiving the Star of the Week award and even the Headteacher’s Award, as reported by the Manchester Evening News.
The coroner’s investigation revealed that the fire was deliberately started by Iliza’s mother, Danielle Parkinson, who had uploaded a 19-minute apology video on YouTube prior to the incident. The coroner concluded that Danielle had taken her own life and unlawfully ended her daughter’s life as well.
The inquest also highlighted numerous “missed opportunities” in Danielle’s treatment, despite her having disclosed suicidal thoughts. The coroner observed that medical staff had neglected to obtain the children’s viewpoints and had failed to engage safeguarding services when protocol demanded it.
In a statement issued after the inquest, Iliza’s relatives, including her father Gary, expressed their profound grief and heartbreak over the loss of the “much loved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece and cousin.” They acknowledged that while the process has helped to clarify the circumstances surrounding Iliza’s death, it cannot ease the immense loss felt by the family.
Gary and the family have extended their gratitude to the emergency services and all those who have shown compassion and support during this incredibly difficult time. They have also requested that their privacy be respected as they continue to grieve and remember Iliza.
For anyone in need of mental health support, the Samaritans can be reached on 116 123, by email at jo@samaritans.org, or by visiting samaritans.org to find the nearest branch.
