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 phone when her mom arrived outside the small farmhouse on Millhaven Road a few minutes later, but by then it was already too late.

The house was ablaze.

“I can’t even imagine how terrifying that must have been,” said Lucksha’s brother Guyaa Neeil, 22, as he recounted the events of that night to CBC.

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

Guyaa mentioned that their mother told Lucksha to head for the door, but the flames and smoke were overwhelming.

“I think my sister’s last words were, ‘I can’t open the door, I can’t get out.’ And then that’s it,” he said tearfully.

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 from various departments were dispatched to the scene around 8:30 p. m. on Jan. 29, according to Ontario Provincial Police. They arrived to find the house completely consumed by flames.

The young woman’s body was discovered among the ruins. Authorities confirmed she had been home alone at that time.

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

Investigation Ongoing

Two weeks after the incident, the family is still awaiting details about what caused the fire.

A representative from the Office of the Fire Marshal indicated Thursday that their investigation is ongoing and there’s currently no new information available.

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

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

“She was really kind to everyone and always wanted to help,” Guyaa recalled fondly while remembering moments spent playing video games and cooking with his sister.

“She just aimed to help everyone she could and make them happy.”

In an official statement, St. Lawrence College president Glenn Vollebregt expressed condolences to Lucksha’s family and noted that all flags on campus would be flown at half-mast in her honor.

Guyaa Neeil said his sister Lucksha was studying at St. Lawrence College with plans to become a social worker. (Submitted by Guyaa Neeil)<P Onthe eveningofthefire, thebrothercalledhis sistertoasktheirmothertopickhimupfromcampus. Justfive minutesafter Premiladriveoff, Luckshacalledfromtheburninghouse.<P<GUYAAsaidhe racedhomeinataxi.<P<"Thewholethingwasjustonfire, andtherewasjustsomuchsmokeandfiretruckseverywhere,"hesaid."Itwastryingtoruninsidethehouse, butthenafirefighterstoppedmeandsaidthisisto dangerous."<P<GUYAAsaidhemisseshissisterdeeply, decribingherlossas"impossible"todealwith.Familyandfriendsof Lucksha Neeilgatheredaroundamemorialonthepropertywhereshediedinafireon Jan29.(Submittedby Guya Neeil)<P<A Go Fund Me campaign has been createdtohelpwithfuneralcostsandrelievefinancialburdenforthefamilyinthewakeofthetragedy.<P<Lastweek, thefamilygatheredatthescene, huggingeachotherandcryingastheyputupacrossandlitcandlesin Luckshasmemory.<P<"Wejustwantedtobuildamemorial.. sopeoplewillknowalifewastakenhere,"herbrothersaid."Someone'slifematteredhere. Wewantedhertoberememberedsomehow."

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