A daughter grieving the loss of her father and his service dog in a canal boat fire in Greater Manchester on Christmas Day has shared a heartfelt tribute. Emergency services swiftly responded to the blaze on the Leeds to Liverpool Canal near Crooke Marina in Wigan during the early hours of Christmas morning. The tragic incident involved 43-year-old Gabriel Murphy and his service dog, Hugo, both of whom were identified as the victims of the fire.
Gabriel, also known as Philip, a loving father of three, was an Army veteran and a paramedic for the North West Ambulance Service. His daughter Juliette revealed that Hugo provided vital support for Gabriel’s PTSD. Following the fire, an investigation was launched, and a police cordon was put in place around the marina, with emergency teams present throughout Christmas Day.
In a poignant message on Boxing Day, Juliette expressed her devastation over the loss of her father and Hugo, thanking those who had offered support. She set up an online fundraiser to collect donations for her father’s funeral, describing him as a compassionate man who carried unseen pain.
The catastrophic fire not only claimed their lives but also destroyed the boat, leaving the family with no belongings or mementos. Heartbreaking footage from Christmas Eve showed Gabriel enjoying time at a pub with friends shortly before the tragedy struck.
Juliette’s fundraiser aims to provide her father with a dignified farewell and help her cope with the sudden and traumatic loss. Donations will cover funeral expenses and practical support during this difficult period. Tributes on social media have honored Gabriel as a “gentle giant” and a “good man” who will be deeply missed.
For those wishing to contribute to the fundraiser, the link can be found here.
