A tragic house fire in Kettering on Friday, March 28 has claimed the lives of three individuals, leaving the local community in mourning. However, as the families of the victims come to terms with their loss, they are also confronting an unexpected problem: unauthorised fundraising pages.
Victims Identified
Police have identified the victims as Emma Conn, 30, her four-year-old daughter Mayci Fox, and 23-year-old Louie Thorn. The devastating blaze tore through their home, leaving emergency responders unable to save the trio despite swift action. Initial investigations suggest the fire may have been accidental, but inquiries are ongoing.
A Heartfelt Plea from Grieving Families
In the wake of the tragedy, families of the victims have issued a public appeal to prevent well-meaning individuals from falling victim to fraudulent fundraising efforts.
In a statement issued through police, the families expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support but made it clear that they have not authorized any fundraising pages in memory of Emma, Mayci, or Louie.
“Having liaised between our families, we can confirm that we have not and will not be setting up any fundraising pages in memory of Emma, Mayci, or Louie. Any pages showing their photos and/or names are going against our express wishes,” the statement read.
The families emphasized that while they appreciate the community’s desire to help, they do not want anyone to unknowingly donate to an unauthorized fundraiser.
“We really appreciate that people would want to donate or offer help, but we do not want anyone to send money in good faith to a fundraiser we are not involved in,” they added.
A Community in Mourning
The fire has left a deep impact on the Kettering community, with many paying tribute to the victims on social media. Emma Conn was remembered as a devoted mother, while little Mayci was described as a “bright spark”. Louie Thorn was fondly recalled as a “kind soul” who was always willing to help others.
Local social media has been filled with tributes and condolences. One user on X wrote,
“RIP Emma, Mayci, and Louie. My heart goes out to their family. Please be cautious about donating to any pages claiming to raise funds for them.”
Another posted,
“It’s devastating to see people taking advantage of such a heartbreaking tragedy. Always check before you donate.”
These posts highlight the emotional toll the incident has taken on the community while also reflecting a growing awareness of potential scams in the wake of tragedy.
Unauthorized Fundraising and Social Media Vigilance
With the rise of online fundraising, cases like this serve as a reminder of the need to verify the legitimacy of donation pages. Authorities are urging anyone who encounters suspicious fundraising efforts to report them to local law enforcement or through official reporting channels.
Families impacted by the fire have asked for privacy as they grieve and navigate the challenges brought on by both the loss and the online exploitation of their tragedy.
Supporting the Families
At this time, the families have requested that the public respect their wishes and refrain from contributing to unauthorised fundraising efforts. Instead, the most meaningful way to show support is to help spread awareness of the families’ wishes and caution others against donating to unverified pages.
For those wishing to offer condolences or support in other ways, community organizations and local charities may provide avenues for assistance.
Ongoing Investigation
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with authorities urging anyone with relevant information to come forward. Updates will be provided as more details emerge.
For now, the focus remains on honoring the memory of Emma, Mayci, and Louie while ensuring that their families are protected from further distress caused by online scams.
If you have any information about the incident or unauthorised fundraising pages, please contact Northamptonshire Police or use the official reporting form on their website.
