The family of a young man, who allegedly became a victim of a horrifying attack involving petrol and fire due to a local dispute, has shared the shocking details of his injuries. The teenager, Jacob Thompson, is fighting for his life in intensive care after the incident that occurred on October 13 in Coonabarabran, a small town in rural New South Wales.
Jacob, aged 19, has sustained severe burns covering 32 percent of his body. The most critical injuries are third-degree burns that have marred his face, torso, arms, back, and legs. The incident has left him in a battle for recovery, with the extent of his injuries being nothing short of catastrophic.
According to New South Wales Police, the attack stemmed from a long-standing feud between two families in the community. It is alleged that a group targeted Mr. Thompson, resulting in this brutal assault.
Fortunately, passers-by acted quickly to extinguish the flames engulfing Jacob, after which he was urgently airlifted to a hospital for medical care. Despite these efforts, the emotional and physical scars run deep.
Witnessing the harrowing event was Jacob’s partner and family, who have been vocal about the severe trauma he has endured. They have described the incident as devastating, sharing that the young man is left with not only physical injuries but also profound psychological distress.
His partner and family witnessed the alleged attack and have revealed the extent of the teen’s gruesome injuries, claiming he has been left severely traumatised.
‘Due to the severity of his injuries and the damage to his airways, Mr Thompson was flown to Sydney and placed into an induced coma on life support,’ the family said in a statement.
Mr Thompson remains in intensive care at Concord Hospital, in Sydney’s inner west, where his family have been by his side after fleeing their small town due to safety fears.
Jacob Thompson is fighting for his life in hospital after sustaining third-degree burns to 32 per cent of his body when he was allegedly doused with petrol and set alight
‘This deeply traumatic incident was witnessed by his immediate family and partner, leaving physical and emotional scars that will take a lifetime to heal,’ the family said.
‘Jacob now faces a long and painful journey of ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, recovery, and ultimately, the need to relocate to a safe environment for his treatment and the entire family’s health and wellbeing.’
The family explained Mr Thompson was initially on life support but has made small improvements.
He is still suffering from severe breathing issues, his eyes have been affected – requiring constant monitoring and treatment – and his shoulder has been dislocated.
Mr Thompson’s family told the Daily Telegraph the past few weeks had been challenging.
‘Jacob has been very emotional, and he is currently trying to come to terms with his injuries,’ they said.
‘He remains positive despite what he has had to endure over the past two weeks.’
Officers allege Aaron Valette, 19, warned Mr Thompson in the lead-up to the attack: ‘If you come any closer, I’ll burn you.’
Mr Thompson’s family explained the teen remains in a critical condition as he recovers from severe injuries to his airways, face, torso, arms, back, legs, and eyes
Valette is alleged to have held a plastic bottle containing a clear liquid during the incident which was allegedly poured over Mr Thompson before he was set alight.
Police arrested Valette, together with Mavis Chatfield, 45, and a 17-year-old girl at a nearby property following the incident.
Valette was charged with cause grievous bodily harm to person with intent and affray, while Chatfield was charged with affray. The pair were refused bail.
The teenage girl was released from police custody pending further investigation.
A GoFundMe has been started to help the family as they relocate and Mr Thompson recovers from his injuries.
‘The family would be grateful if you could support by donating, no matter how big or small, every cent will make a difference towards helping Jacob and his family rebuild their lives after such a senseless act of violence,’ the GoFundMe reads.
‘On behalf of Jacob and his family, thank you for your support, your compassion, and your kindness during this unimaginably difficult time.’
