‘Beautiful’ mum-of-five and man die after blaze
TRIBUTES POUR IN AS 34-YEAR-OLD FACES CHARGE OF ARSON WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE
TRIBUTES have poured in for a young mum who died following a devastating house fire – as it emerged a second person has also lost their life.
West Yorkshire Police confirmed that 24-year-old Reece Schofield, from Dewsbury, died in hospital after a blaze at a property in Clare Hill at around 6am on Tuesday, March 23.
The fire also claimed the life of mum-of-five Samantha Mills, 31, from Huddersfield – with the pair two of six people rushed to hospital after the inferno.
Mr Schofield was pronounced dead yesterday, with Ms Mills having died in hospital last Friday.
One person remained in hospital where their condition was said to be stable. A GoFundMe page has been set up in memory of Samantha – known as Sammy – to help pay for her funeral.
The page has been set up by Tracy Kirby, who wrote: “Sammy tragically
My condolences to her family and friends at such a heartbreaking
time xxxx.
lost her fight for life and leaves behind her children and family. No family should ever have to go through what we are going through right now. Any donations will help towards her funeral and hopefully help to ease her children’s/family’s heartache at this very hard/sad time.”
At the time of writing, £340 of the £1,500 target had been raised.
Tributes have also poured in for Samantha on social media. One user wrote: “Fly high beautiful!! Until we meet again.” Another said: “Sleep tight Samantha. My condolences to her family and friends at such a heartbreaking time xxxx.”
And a third commented: “RIP Sammy. Another taken too soon”.
Craig Collier, 34, of Clare Hill, has been charged with arson with intent to endanger life and perverting the course of justice. He has appeared at Leeds Magistrates’ Court and was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing at Leeds Crown Court.
Police are appealing to anyone who was in the Clare Hill area at around 6am on Tuesday, March 23, to contact them on 101, ref 13210144132.