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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
World
Chris Murphy & Laura Sharman

Brave mum who was covered almost 100% in burns from horror petrol explosion dies

A woman has died after a tragic explosion which left her body almost 100 per cent covered in burns.

Nicole Foltz was enjoying an evening in her back garden with her husband Jeff when she lit a fire pit to keep the bugs at bay.

Jeff had stepped inside when she tried to top up the fire and the petrol can exploded in her hand.

"She put another log on the fire," he told ABC.

"She poured the gas into it and it ignited and blew the can up in her hands which caused her to run, panic.

"She actually stopped, dropped and rolled like you are supposed to."

Nicole, from Florida, USA, suffered severe burns across most of her body and died three days later.

"It’s just one of those senseless acts you don’t expect to happen in your family," Jeff said.

"Gasoline is not a joke when it comes to fire. You have to be careful or just don’t do it at all."

Nicole's 11-year-old son Jeffrey was also severely injured and hospitalised for 12 days after the tragedy.

He is now recovering at home from second and third-degree burns and was discharged in time to celebrate his birthday.

Jeff said he was by the boy's side "24/7".

He added: "I never left his side in the hospital which is difficult, especially because I feel bad for other children there.

"I can see how it is to not have somebody that can be there for you by your bedside 24/7."

Nicole worked at Tarpon Tavern in Tarpon Springs, where staff donated 10 per cent of its proceeds to the family.

The restaurant and another local eatery The Bistro are accepting donations from customers.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help the family-of-six pay for Nicole's funeral, her hospital bills and her son's rehabilitation.

"The sudden and tragic loss of Nicole Foltz devastated our community," the fundraising page said.

"Nicole was loved so much because she truly loved life. [...] Her radiant smile always filled the room.

"She was always there for everyone - there for every relative, every friend, every customer, every coworker, every birthday, every anniversary, every day for everyone.

"We will miss Nicole, but our memories of her are eternal."

Jeff shared his gratitude for all the support he has received from well wishers and loved ones.

Speaking about his late wife, he said: "Just all around, . She had a fierceness to her. Everybody loved her.

"I don't want to read about somebody else's family having to go through this. It's unimaginable."

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