Tragic Fire Claims Life of 19-Year-Old in Kingston Area

Premila Neeil had just stepped out of her family’s home in Loyalist Township, Ont., when her daughter Lucksha called, sounding frantic.

The 19-year-old was still on the line when her mom arrived outside the small farmhouse on Millhaven Road a few moments later, but by then it was far too late.

The building was ablaze.

“I can’t even imagine how terrifying that must have been,” said Lucksha’s brother Guyaa Neeil, 22, who recounted to CBC what took place that night.

“My mom said my sister kept saying, ‘There’s a fire, there’s a fire here Mom, come back, come help me!'”

Guyaa shared that their mother told Lucksha to get to the door, but the flames and smoke were overwhelming.

“I guess my sister’s last words were, ‘I can’t open the door, I can’t get out.’ And then that’s it,” he said while fighting back tears.

Family members shared this image of the home on Millhaven Road that was gutted by fire on Jan. 29. (Submitted by Guyaa Neeil)

Emergency responders including firefighters from various departments were dispatched to the scene around 8:30 p. m. on Jan. 29, as stated by Ontario Provincial Police. They arrived to find the house fully engulfed in flames.

The body of the 19-year-old was discovered in the debris. Authorities confirmed she was alone at home during the incident.

Guyaa mentioned that his Boston terrier Penny and a kitten his sister named Tom also perished in the fire.

Cause still under investigation

Two weeks later, the family has yet to learn what caused the fire.

A representative from the Office of the Fire Marshal indicated Thursday that their investigation is ongoing and there are no updates available at this time.

The family built a memorial outside what’s left of the home in remembrance of Lucksha Neeil. (Submitted by Guyaa Neeil)

Lucksha lived there with her mother, father and brother. She had been attending St. Lawrence College with aspirations of becoming a social worker.

“She was super nice to everyone and always tried to be helpful,” said Guyaa, who recalled playing video games and cooking with his sister.

“She was just trying to help everyone she could and just make everyone happy.”

In a statement, St. Lawrence College president and CEO Glenn Vollebregt expressed condolences for Lucksha’s family, adding that all flags on campus would be lowered to half-mast in her memory.

Guyaa Neeil said his sister Lucksha was studying at St. Lawrence College with plans to become a social worker. (Submitted by Guyaa Neeil)

On the night of the fire, Guyaa noted he had called his sister asking if their mom could pick him up from campus. Just five minutes after Premila drove away, Lucksha called from inside the burning house.

Unsure about what had occurred , Guyaa hurried home in a taxi.

“The entire thing was just on fire , and there was just so much smoke and fire trucks everywhere,” he described. “I tried to run inside , but then firefighters stopped me saying it wasn’t safe.”

Guyaa shared he misses his sister dearly , describing her loss as “impossible” to cope with.Family and friends of Lucksha Neeil gathered around a memorial on property where she died in a fire on Jan.29.( Submitted by Guyaa Neeil )

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A Go Fund Me campaign has been established to assist with funeral expenses and support for the family during this difficult time.

Last week , family members gathered at the scene , embracing each other while crying as they placed up a cross and lit candles in memory of Lucksha.

“We just wanted to create a memorial.. so people will know someone’s life ended here,” her brother stated. “We want her life remembered somehow.”