Sydney mother dies in barbecue fire witnessed by children

A 38-year-old mother died from injuries sustained in a backyard accident after she caught fire while preparing to roast marshmallows with her children at her Sydney home. Charlotte RoseAnn Hill succumbed to medical complications on July 10 following the horrific incident, which her two young children witnessed.

The accident occurred as Hill was setting up a barbecue to celebrate the school holidays. Her children, an 11-year-old son and a 7-year-old daughter, were nearby when she suddenly caught alight. Her daughter screamed to alert their father, Matt Tierney, who was inside the house preparing for work. The boy attempted to help by using his jacket to try to smother the flames on his mother.

Tierney rushed out, administered first aid, and then took Hill to a hospital. She suffered serious burns to her face and hands. Her cousin, Bianca Hill, joined her in the ambulance for a transfer to a secondary hospital better equipped for her care. Bianca Hill described her cousin being in significant agony but said Charlotte remained in good spirits, even sharing a laugh with her before undergoing surgery.

Initial surgery was successful, and the family reported she was alert, recovering,...