Gabriel Murphy, 43, and his service dog Hugo died in an early morning fire
Gabriel Murphy, 43, and his service dog Hugo died in an early morning fire
James Holt Senior Live and Breaking News Reporter and Cheryl Mullin
07:37, 16 Jan 2026
A man and his service dog who died in a devastating fire aboard a canal boat have been named, as his daughter shared a heartfelt tribute.
Emergency services were called to the scene in Wigan, along the Leeds to Liverpool Canal near Crooke Marina, during the early hours of Christmas Day. Police, paramedics and firefighters arrived at the location in Standish at approximately 3.30am following reports of the blaze.
It was confirmed the bodies of a man and his dog, both of who died in the fire, were recovered from the scene. They have since been identified as Gabriel Murphy, 43, and his service dog Hugo.
‘Gentle’ dad-of-three Gabriel, who also went by Philip, served as an Army veteran and had been employed as a paramedic with the North West Ambulance Service. He lived on the boat alongside five-year-old service dog Hugo, who had been helping Philip manage his PTSD following his military service, according to his daughter Juliette.
An investigation was launched after the fire, with police establishing a cordon around the marina. Emergency personnel remained at the site throughout Christmas Day, reports the Manchester Evening News.
In a heartbreaking social media post on Boxing Day, Juliette wrote: “I am heartbroken to share that my dad, Philip and his service dog Hugo tragically passed away yesterday. He was deeply loved by a lot of people and I wanted to make anyone that I may not be able to reach aware.
“Thank you to everyone who has already reached out with kindness and support, it truly means more than I can say.”
Philip’s eldest daughter Juliette has launched an online fundraiser seeking donations to cover the funeral costs. In a moving tribute, she described him as a ‘gentle’ soul who ‘carried more pain than he ever showed’.
She said the fire also destroyed the boat, leaving behind no possessions or keepsakes, describing the loss as ‘devastating’. Poignant footage shared online captured Gabriel enjoying Christmas Eve at the pub with friends – just hours before his death.
Juliette writes: “On Christmas Day 2025 my dad, Gabriel also known as Philip Murphy died in the early hours of the morning. He died alongside his service dog Hugo who helped him with his PTSD after his time in the army.
“After leaving the forces my dad continued serving others as a paramedic in NWAS. helping people is who he was even though life was hard for him he was gentle and carried more pain than he ever showed.
“The fire took everything there are no belongings left from the boat and no memories we can hold onto physically. Because my dad was still so young there was no life insurance or funeral plan in place.
“Hugo also died in the fire and in a further heartbreaking mistake he was cremated and ashes discarded by the charity who was informed by police to keep him safe, meaning my dad and Hugo can never be laid to rest together as I had hoped.
“Losing my dad was devastating and losing the chance to honour the bond between him and Hugo was been a second tragedy our family is struggling to come to terms with.
“This fundraiser is giving me the opportunity to give my dad a beautiful and respectful farewell surrounded by the people who loved him and is helping me to begin rebuilding my life after such a sudden and traumatic loss. Any donations will go towards funeral costs and practical support as I try to find some stability while carrying this grief.
“Thank you for taking the time to read our story. I know how tough times are financially right now so for any kindness you are able to show I am forever grateful.”
Contributions can be made via the online fundraising page here. Additional touching tributes shared on social media described Gabriel as a ‘gentle giant’ and a ‘good man who will be hugely missed’.
In the aftermath of the incident, police confirmed the deaths.
A Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Just after 3.30am on Friday 25th December, three fire engines from Wigan and Hindley, along with the Technical Response Unit from Leigh and Water Incident Unit from Eccles, attended an incident on Crooke Road, Wigan. Firefighters were in attendance for around thirteen hours.”