A Sydney family is mourning the heartbreaking loss of a 38-year-old mother whose attempt to create a special school holiday memory for her children ended in tragedy after a devastating backyard barbecue accident.

Charlotte Rose-Anne Hill died after suffering severe burns while preparing a backyard barbecue at her Sydney home so her two young children could roast marshmallows during the winter school holidays. Although she initially survived emergency surgery and appeared to be recovering in hospital, her family says she later died following an unexpected medical complication.

The tragedy has resonated across Australia because of the circumstances in which it unfolded. Charlotte’s 11-year-old son and seven-year-old daughter witnessed the incident and immediately tried to save their mother before their father rushed to help.

According to family members, what had begun as a simple afternoon intended to give the children a memorable holiday experience changed within moments.

Charlotte was setting up the barbecue in the backyard when she was suddenly engulfed in flames. The precise cause of the fire has not been publicly disclosed, and authorities have not released further details about how the accident occurred.

Her cousin, Bianca Hill, later described the extraordinary courage shown by both children during the emergency.

The family’s youngest child immediately screamed for help, alerting her father, Matt Tierney, who had been preparing to leave for work. Meanwhile, Charlotte’s son grabbed his jacket and attempted to smother the flames in an effort to save his mother.

Bianca said the children’s actions were remarkably brave considering the trauma they were experiencing.

“They were so brave and so heroic in those moments,” she said while reflecting on the ordeal the children endured.

Charlotte’s husband immediately administered first aid before transporting her to hospital, where doctors treated extensive burns to her face and hands. She was later transferred to a specialist burns facility better equipped to manage her injuries.

Bianca accompanied Charlotte during the ambulance transfer and recalled the intense pain her cousin endured.

She said watching someone she loved suffer so severely was one of the most difficult experiences of her life, but remembered that Charlotte still managed to smile and laugh despite the agony.

Initially, there appeared to be reason for optimism.

Following surgery, Charlotte was alert, speaking with her children by telephone and showing encouraging signs of recovery. Family members believed she was gradually improving and hoped she would soon return home.

However, that hope was shattered when medical staff later found her unresponsive after an unexpected medical complication.

Charlotte died in hospital on 10 July, leaving behind her partner and two young children. The exact medical complication responsible for her death has not been publicly detailed.

Those closest to Charlotte have described her as a devoted mother whose greatest priority was giving her children a happy childhood.

Bianca said Charlotte had endured significant hardship throughout her own life after losing her mother at a young age. That experience, she said, shaped Charlotte’s determination to protect her own children from experiencing similar grief.

Family members say the fact that her children have now lost their mother at a young age makes the tragedy even more devastating.

Charlotte’s brother, Max Hill, also shared an emotional tribute remembering his sister’s kindness, humour and unwavering support throughout his life, describing the enormous gap her passing has left within the family.

In response to the tragedy, Bianca Hill established a GoFundMe campaign to help provide financial security for Charlotte’s children as they adjust to life without their mother.

The fundraiser states that donations will assist with funeral expenses while also supporting the children’s education, emotional wellbeing and long-term stability.

The appeal emphasises that no amount of financial assistance can replace Charlotte’s love, guidance or presence, but says community support can help provide the future she would have wanted for Noah and Billie-Rose.

The incident has also prompted renewed discussion about the importance of barbecue safety in Australian homes.

Outdoor cooking is deeply embedded in Australian family life, particularly during holidays and weekends. However, fire authorities regularly remind households that even familiar equipment can become dangerous if faults develop or highly flammable materials are present.

Fire and Rescue NSW advises homeowners to regularly inspect gas cylinders, hoses and fittings before using barbecues, ensure appliances are positioned away from combustible materials, avoid using petrol or other accelerants to ignite fires, and always keep suitable firefighting equipment nearby. Children should also remain a safe distance from active cooking areas.

While officials have not indicated that any particular safety issue caused Charlotte’s accident, experts say incidents involving open flames can escalate within seconds, underscoring why preparation and vigilance remain essential whenever outdoor cooking equipment is used.

The tragedy has also highlighted the emotional impact such incidents can have on children who witness traumatic events.

Psychologists generally recommend that children exposed to sudden trauma receive ongoing emotional support from trusted family members and, where appropriate, professional counselling. Early intervention can help children process grief and reduce the long-term psychological effects associated with witnessing serious accidents.

Charlotte’s family has repeatedly expressed gratitude for the support received from friends, neighbours and strangers since her death.

They hope the community’s compassion will help provide stability for the two children as they navigate an unimaginably difficult chapter in their young lives.

Although the circumstances surrounding the accident remain under investigation, those who knew Charlotte say they want her to be remembered not for the tragedy itself, but for her generosity, resilience and unwavering commitment to her family.

What was intended to be a simple afternoon roasting marshmallows during the school holidays has instead become a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly everyday moments can change—and of the enduring importance of community support for families facing sudden loss.