Army veteran Gabriel and his service dog Hugo both perished in the barge fire in Wigan
Army veteran Gabriel was described as a ‘gentle giant’ in heartbreaking tributes(Image: Juliette Murphy)
Thousands have been raised with heartbreaking tributes pouring in to remember a man and his dog who were both killed in a tragic boat fire in Greater Manchester on Christmas Day.
Emergency services raced to the incident in Wigan, at the Leeds to Liverpool Canal, close to Crooke Marina in the early hours of December 25. Police, paramedics and fire crews attended the scene in Standish at around 3.30am to reports of the blaze.
The body of a man and his dog who both perished in the blaze were found at the scene. They have since been identified as Gabriel Murphy, 43, and his service dog Hugo.
The ‘gentle’ dad-of-three who was also known as Philip, was an Army veteran and had worked as a paramedic for the North West Ambulance Service. He lived on the boat with five-year-old service dog Hugo, who had supported Philip with his PTSD after his time in the army, his daughter Juliette said.
Army veteran Gabriel and his service dog Hugo both perished in the barge fire in Wigan(Image: Juliette Murphy)
Tributes have been pouring in following their deaths, with more than £7,000 now raised towards laying them to rest and to support the family following their sudden loss.
Emotional tributes were paid on social media, as one person penned: “An absolute legend of a bloke, gone way too soon, you will truly be missed mate. RIP Gabe.” Another said: “What an amazing man, he literally ‘gave his all for others’ -absolutely tragic, I hope he is at peace now with Hugo by his side.”
A third post, shared on social media, added: “Used to see him and his dog shopping in Lidl. Seemed a lovely fella, always had time for a smile and a pat of his dog, RIP.” Other heartfelt tributes posted online described Gabriel as a ‘gentle giant’ and a ‘good man who will be hugely missed’.
Gabriel and Hugo who tragically died in the fire(Image: Juliette Murphy)
An investigation was launched following the blaze, with a police scene put in place around the marina. Emergency crews remained in attendance throughout Christmas day.
Philip’s eldest daughter Juliette has since set up an online fundraiser to help raise donations towards her dad’s funeral. Paying tribute she described him as a ‘gentle’ man who ‘carried more pain than he ever showed’.
She said the devastating blaze on Christmas Day also scorched the boat and left no belongings or memories behind, describing the loss as ‘devastating’. Heartbreaking videos posted online also showed Gabriel enjoying the evening in the pub with friends on Christmas Eve – just hours before his death.
“After leaving the forces my dad continued serving others as a paramedic in NWAS. helping people is who he was even though life was hard for him he was gentle and carried more pain than he ever showed,” she said.
“The fire took everything there are no belongings left from the boat and no memories we can hold onto physically. Because my dad was still so young there was no life insurance or funeral plan in place.
Gabriel with his eldest daughter Juliette(Image: Juliette Murphy)
“Hugo also died in the fire and in a further heartbreaking mistake he was cremated and ashes discarded by the charity who was informed by police to keep him safe, meaning my dad and Hugo can never be laid to rest together as I had hoped. Losing my dad was devastating and losing the chance to honour the bond between him and Hugo was been a second tragedy our family is struggling to come to terms with.
“This fundraiser is giving me the opportunity to give my dad a beautiful and respectful farewell surrounded by the people who loved him and is helping me to begin rebuilding my life after such a sudden and traumatic loss. Any donations will go towards funeral costs and practical support as I try to find some stability while carrying this grief.”
Donations can be made to the online fundraiser here.
