Community pays tribute to Russell Island house fire victims as police prepare to detail post-mortem results
The community on the Queensland island where a man and his five sons died in a house fire last weekend has paid tribute to the six victims.
Wayne Godinet and his five sons, Zac, 11, Harry, 10, four-year-old twins Kyza and Koah, and Nicky, three died almost a week ago when the blaze broke out at their Russell Island home.
A traditional Maori ceremony described as "a lifting of the spirits" was held outside the remains of the home.
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Wayne Godinet and his five children - Zac, 11, Harry, 10, four-year-old twins Kyza and Koah, and Nicky, three - died early on Sunday morning. Nine
A traditional Maori ceremony described as "a lifting of the spirits" was held outside the remains of the home. Nine
Godinet's parents, grandmother and other relatives were there for the ceremony, while people travelled from as far away as New Zealand to take part.
Earlier this week, mother Samantha Stephenson offered her thanks to the community.
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People travelled from as far away as New Zealand to take part in the ceremony. Nine
She told 9News she was overwhelmed by grief but was grateful for the community's outpouring of love and support.
She was too distraught to attend today's event, but her mother was there.
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Detectives are continuing to probe how the fire started. Nine
Detectives are continuing to probe how the fire started.
Detective Superintendent Andrew Massingham from Queensland Police said the post-mortem results from those killed have arrived they expect to provide an update soon.
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