A fundraiser for the children of Sydney mother Charlotte Rose-Anne Hill had reached A$39,543 from 467 donations when checked on July 24, approaching its A$40,000 target. The 38-year-old died on July 10, 2026, after suffering severe burns in a backyard barbecue accident during the winter school holidays.
Charlotte was preparing the barbecue so her children—Noah, 11, and Billie-Rose, seven—could roast marshmallows when she caught fire. She survived surgery and initially appeared to be recovering, but later died following an unexpected medical complication.
What happened to Charlotte Rose-Anne Hill?
Charlotte’s cousin, Bianca Hill, said the children heard their mother’s screams during the accident at the family’s Sydney home. Billie-Rose called for her father, Matthew Tierney, who was inside preparing for work.
Noah used his jacket in an attempt to smother the flames. Matthew rushed outside, administered first aid and took Charlotte to hospital. Neither child was reported to have suffered physical injuries.
Why did Charlotte die after surgery?
Charlotte sustained serious burns to her face and hands. Bianca accompanied her during a transfer to another hospital equipped to provide specialist burns treatment.
Her family received encouraging news after she survived surgery. Charlotte was conscious, communicating and able to speak with her children by telephone.
Medical staff later found her unresponsive, and she died on July 10. The family said she suffered an unexpected complication during recovery, but no detailed medical cause has been released publicly.
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No official cause has been announced. Available reports do not identify the barbecue model, fuel type, ignition source or circumstances that caused the flames to reach Charlotte.
There is no verified evidence connecting the accident to a gas leak, defective cylinder, petrol, lighter fluid or any other accelerant. The Sydney suburb where it happened has not been publicly confirmed.
General fire precautions cannot explain this particular accident. Claims assigning blame to equipment, fuel or an individual would remain speculative unless investigators release supporting evidence.
How will the fundraiser support the family?
Bianca established the fundraiser on behalf of Matthew after Charlotte’s death. It was created to assist with funeral expenses and help provide emotional support, schooling and financial stability for Noah and Billie-Rose.
The campaign began on July 14 and has received hundreds of donations. Its total can continue to change as further contributions are made.
Relatives described Charlotte as a generous mother who was committed to creating a happy childhood for her children. She had lost her own mother at a young age and, according to Bianca, never wanted Noah and Billie-Rose to experience the same loss.
What safety checks are recommended before using a barbecue?
Fire and Rescue NSW barbecue guidance advises checking gas cylinders, hoses and connections for rust, cracks, damage or loose fittings before lighting equipment.
A barbecue should be positioned on a firm, level surface away from fences, vegetation and other combustible materials. Children should remain outside the cooking area, and a responsible adult should supervise the barbecue whenever it is lit.
Flammable liquids must never be poured onto a barbecue. Fire authorities recommend following the manufacturer’s lighting and shutdown instructions and keeping a garden hose or another continuous water supply nearby.
People planning outdoor cooking should check for restrictions during an NSW heatwave or elevated fire-danger period. Similar precautions apply during heatwave and bushfire-risk conditions in Victoria.
If a strong gas smell is detected, people should move away, avoid flames or electrical switches and call Triple Zero for the fire service. These safety steps are general precautions and do not establish what caused Charlotte’s fatal accident.
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