Waterford, Ireland: Elliot English dies in hospital after arson attack killed his mum, dad, two brothers
The child’s parents and two brothers were killed in what police believe was a deliberate arson attack.
A six-year-old boy has died from injuries sustained in a horrific house fire last month.
Around 5am on October 13, an arson attack on a home in Waterford, Ireland, killed four people.
Almost a month later, the death toll has risen to five after the death of Elliot English on Friday.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The six-year-old’s parents — Kim and Philip English— and two brothers —Callum, 12, and Jayden, 9— died in the blaze.
One more child remains in hospital with critical injuries.
A spokesperson for the Irish police told The Irish Mirror that Elliot died in hospital.
“An Garda Síochána can confirm that 6-year-old Elliot English who sustained critical injuries during a fire at his home in the Birchwood area of Waterford City on Tuesday, 13th October 2026, has passed away on today’s date, Friday 6th November 2026, at Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) Crumlin, Dublin 12,” they said.
“The thoughts of all members of An Garda Síochána are with the extended English family at this sad time.”
Six people have been arrested in relation to the attack so far; two of whom remain before the courts.
The four other people, a man in his 50s, two women in their 30s and a man in his 20s, were released without charge.
Detectives believe the attack is linked to organised crime and drug-related intimidation, RTÉ reported.
A statement released by the family announced Elliot’s death with “profound sadness”.
“This comes following the tragic events in Birchwood earlier this month, in which Elliot’s mother, Kim, his father, Philip, and his two brothers, Jaden and Callum, tragically lost their lives,” it read, published by RTÉ.
“The family has endured an unimaginable loss, and this latest bereavement has left relatives, neighbours and friends facing an overwhelming period of grief.”
The family asked for space and privacy amid the “devastating tragedy” and asked that the child in hospital be “kept in everyone’s thoughts and prayers”.
“The English family would like to thank everyone who has shown kindness, compassion and support during what has been an incomprehensibly difficult time,” it continued.
“Please allow the family the privacy and respect they so desperately need at this time.”
Elliot’s brother shared a tribute on social media.
“Rip baby bro Elliot.. Your in God’s arms and bk with our dad Philip and your mam Kim and lil brothers callum. Jayden..” he wrote, followed by prayer, love heart, and crying emojis.
The picture of the six-year-old in his school uniform was accompanied by the song In the Arms of An Angel by Jeanette Westin.
‘Heart-wrenching’ funeral
Last month, a joint funeral was held for the four members of the English family who died.
Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan said it was “heart-wrenching” to see four coffins.
“This tragedy has shocked us all to the core,” he said.
“How heart-wrenching it is to see four coffins before this sacred altar, and this entire community and the whole country joining in loving solidarity with the family and the many friends of Kim and Phil and Callum and Jayden.
“Four beautiful innocent lives have been taken.
“Two loving, devoted parents who did their best for their children. Innocent victims of a web of evil which is the drug trade.
“And as a country, I ask, ‘have we really faced up to this problem?’”
A GoFundMe set up to help cover funeral expenses has raised more than €69,000 ($A111,945).
Investigations into the fire continue.
