Grandfather, 84, dies after his family was trapped inside his Gold Coast home during a suspected arson attack

By MATT JONES, SENIOR NEWS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA Published: 03:47, 2 July 2026 | Updated: 03:48, 2 July 2026 A grandfather has died in hospital on the Gold Coast after he and his family were allegedly trapped inside his home after it was set on fire in a suspected arson attack. Bob Marsh, 84, his daughter, and her family fled the property on Sickle Avenue at Hope Island after it went up in flames at 11.45pm on Tuesday night. Mr Marsh was taken to hospital in a life-threatening condition after suffering burns to 50 per cent of his body.  Police confirmed on Thursday that he had died after succumbing to his injuries. His daughter, Kathy Windsor, 59, is still fighting for life in hospital after she broke her back jumping from a balcony to escape the flames, 7News reports. Her new partner suffered burns in the attack and remains in a critical condition at Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, while her adult son escaped without injury.  It is alleged keys had been removed from deadlocks, locking the family inside before the house was set alight.  A 38-year-old man, who is believed to be responsible for the attack, died at the scene. Investigations are continuing to confirm his identity. Bob Marsh, 84, died on Thursday after a fire tore through his Gold Coast home The damage to the house was extensive  Mr Marsh's daughter Kathy Windsor is fighting for life in hospital after she broke her back jumping from a balcony to escape the flames  Neighbours Eli Bijl-Kakoi and Meihana Pauling saw the fire and ran to the home to try and help the family escape. 'I think anyone would have helped in that situation,' Mr Bijl-Kakoi told 7News. He said there was screaming and he heard the shout: 'My ex is trying to kill us.' Mr Pauling said: 'They were banging on the garage from the inside. I mean, Eli just had to grab it with two hands and yank it open.' Police allege the incident was linked to domestic violence and said officers had been called to the property a week earlier.  They also said the accused was the subject of a domestic violence order.  'It just highlights the fragility of human relationships,' Detective Superintendent Chris Ahearn said on Wednesday. 'Any violence is absolutely unacceptable, and people need to call it out and report it to the authorities.' Pictured, emergency services arrive at the scene  A police officer is seen collecting a piece of evidence at the home on Sickle Avenue on the Gold Coast on Wednesday morning Fire crews worked to put the blaze out on Tuesday night Following the tragedy, the family issued a statement describing how it has been 'the most heartbreaking time of our lives'.  'The kindness, generosity and compassion of others will help us begin to heal and rebuild,' they said. The house was extensively damaged by the fire, with one side of the building partially collapsed. The fire also spread into and destroyed the roof, with footage showing flames and smoke billowing from it. Domestic Violence lawyer Kathleen Simpson told 7News: 'The horror that would have gone on in that household last night is unimaginable.  'And will keep rippling through the community for a long time to come.' Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.