Heartbreak in Gladstone: Community Reels as Mother and Two Children, 12, Die in Devastating House Fire That Left Families ‘Forever Changed’
- Tragedy struck in Gladstone last Wednesday when a house fire claimed the lives of Jordana Johnson, 36, and her two young sons, Jordan Norris and his friend Chazz Mather, both 12.
- The families of the victims have spoken out, saying their lives have been ‘forever changed’ by the horrific event, which has left the community reeling.
- A community gathering will be held at Barney Point Beach this Saturday, where friends and family will pay their respects and lay fresh flowers along the waterline.
In a heartbreaking development, the families of Jordana Johnson, 36, her son Jordan Norris, and his friend Chazz Mather, both 12, have spoken out about the devastating house fire that claimed their lives last Wednesday.
Jordana, a devoted mother with a big heart, was always willing to help others, while her son Jordan was a playful and protective young boy who was loved by all. His friend Chazz, who was sleeping over at the family’s home, was an outgoing and loving boy with an incredibly close bond with Jordan.
“Jordan and Chazz were more than just friends, they were brothers,” said the families in a joint statement. “We are overwhelmed with grief but also with gratitude for the love, support and generosity being shown to our families.”
The fire, which occurred in the Gladstone suburb of Toolooa, saw authorities called to the scene just before 6am, but the top floor of the two-story home collapsed minutes after their arrival, hampering search efforts.
As the community comes to terms with the tragedy, a community gathering will be held at Barney Point Beach this Saturday from 9:30am. The families have invited friends and community members to pay their respects and lay fresh flowers along the waterline.
An online fundraiser for the families has so far raised more than $22,000, as the community rallies around them in their time of need.
Police said investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing, but the families have been left to pick up the pieces and try to come to terms with the loss of their loved ones.
“Three beautiful souls were tragically taken from us … our nutchum, our whanau, our family,” said the families in their statement. “The impact of this horrific event is being deeply felt not only by our family but by the Gladstone community and across the nation.”
As the community gathers to pay their respects, the families will be remembering Jordana, Jordan, and Chazz, and the impact they had on their lives.