Community rallies for family following fatal fire


By Jenn Watt

An outpouring of support and donations has been flowing for the Brown/Trotter family following a fatal fire near Gooderham in the early morning hours of Thursday, Oct. 15.

More than $38,000 had been donated to the family at press time through GoFundMe as people learned of the fire, which took the life of the family’s 11-year-old daughter.

At home during the fire were Ian Brown and Linsey Trotter and children Brooke and Chase. Ray, Ian’s father, was not home at the time.

“Not only has Ray, Ian, Linsey and Chase lost their home and lifetime possessions, nothing can replace the life that was lost, 11-year-old Brooke,” the GoFundMe page organized by Linsey’s cousin Jennifer Wilson reads.

“We understand this fundraiser can’t bring Brooke back or relieve the pain of their brokenhearted family, but we do hope it helps with travelling to visit

Linsey while she recovers in the hospital, secure housing and purchase clothing and household goods.”

An update posted Oct. 18 reads: “Linsey is in an induced coma in ICU in Peterborough. She has severe smoke damage to her lungs and throat and very bad blistering on the inside of her throat. They will keep her in this state as she needs to recover and this is the best way.

“Ian sustained multiple injuries to his back along with smoke inhalation and he is OUR HERO and returned multiple times to search.

“Chase has smoke inhalation but is doing extremely well.

“Ray was not home during the fire but he has also lost everything and will need our support just as much. Both Ian and Chase are home with us and will remain here until they are ready.

“Also please remember that Brooke’s Dad, Steve is also hurting and will need support as well since he does not live close and is also a part of our family. We cannot express our thanks or even know how to thank our families, friends and this wonderful, amazing community that we live in.”
Wilson reiterated that the family is very appreciative of the support, saying “it shows true community.”

For those wishing to contribute to the fund for the Brown/Trotter family, visit the GoFundMe page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/fatal-family-house-fire. For those wishing to make a donation offline, cheques can be mailed to: C/O Alfred and Joan Trotter, PO Box 150, Gooderham, ON, K0M 1R0. Household goods and clothing donations are also being collected in Haliburton, Wilberforce and Gooderham. Donations can be taken to:

Gooderham Location:
Bill and Veronica Hunter
10102 Highway 503
Gooderham
Items can be left on the porch if no one is there.

Haliburton Location:
Parker Pad and Printing
153 Mallard Road off Industrial Park Rd
Items can be left Mon to Fri 8:30 am to 3:30pm
With Tracy Stoughton

Wilberforce Location:
Lindsay Draper
Wilberforce Service Centre
2246 Loop Rd
Wilberforce

Additional drop-offs are in Fenelon Falls, Peterborough, Apsley Lakefield and Bancroft. All drop off locations are available on the GoFundMe page.