Elliot English Dies After Waterford Birchwood House Fire as Garda Murder Investigation Continues

Six-year-old Elliot English has died in hospital weeks after the suspected arson attack on his family’s Waterford home. Five family members have now died, while one child remains in hospital.

Waterford, Ireland, is mourning another devastating loss following the death of six-year-old Elliot English, who had been receiving treatment for critical injuries after a fire at his family’s home in the Birchwood estate. Elliot died at Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin on Friday, November 6, 2026, according to reporting by RTÉ and the Irish Examiner.

His death comes weeks after the October 13 fire claimed the lives of his parents, Kim and Philip English, and his brothers, 12-year-old Callum and nine-year-old Jayden. One other child from the family remains in hospital receiving treatment.

Elliot English Dies Following Birchwood House Fire

Emergency services responded to the fire at a home on Birch Avenue shortly after 5 a.m. on October 13. The two-storey property was severely affected by the blaze, and six family members were caught in the incident.

Gardaí confirmed that four people had died at the scene or following the fire, while two children were taken to Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin with critical injuries.

Elliot was among the children receiving treatment. His death means that five members of the English family have now died following the incident.

Gardaí Investigate Suspected Arson Attack

An Garda Síochána opened a murder investigation after stating that investigators believed the family home had been deliberately attacked and the fire intentionally started.

The property was declared a crime scene, and technical examinations were carried out. Gardaí also appealed for witnesses who may have been in the Birch Avenue and Birchwood area between 4:30 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. on October 13. Drivers with relevant dashcam footage were asked to contact investigators.

Six Arrests Made as Investigation Continues

Six people have been arrested in connection with the investigation, according to RTÉ.

Four people arrested in connection with suspected offences involving the facilitation of a criminal organisation were subsequently released without charge. Gardaí said files would be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Two other defendants, Jessica Dalton, 31, and Cian Stacey, 21, have appeared before Waterford District Court. They face charges including criminal damage and assault causing serious harm and have been remanded in custody. Their next court appearance was scheduled for November 17, according to the latest reporting.

The charges are allegations and do not establish guilt. The wider Garda investigation remains ongoing.

Waterford Community Mourns Another Loss

Elliot’s death adds to the grief experienced by relatives, friends and the wider Waterford community since the October fire. The family has already endured the loss of four members, and another child continues to receive hospital care.

The tragedy has also prompted renewed calls for anyone with relevant information to assist investigators as they work to establish the circumstances of the attack.

Disclaimer

This article reflects reporting published by RTÉ and the Irish Examiner, alongside official Garda statements. Elliot English’s death on November 6, 2026, has been reported by established Irish news organisations. Gardaí are investigating the incident as a suspected deliberate arson attack and multiple murder. The people charged in connection with the case are presumed innocent unless proven guilty. The investigation remains active, and no unverified claims about the motive or responsibility for the attack should be treated as established fact.