My name is Lesley Barnes, and I’m Auntie to Braeden Gaunt and his beautiful son, Bentley, who tragically passed away on October 18, 2025, in a devastating fire. We live in the Durham Region of Ontario, Canada.

Let me tell you about my nephew, Braeden. He became a dad at a young age, and from the moment Bentley was born, his whole world revolved around him. Bentley had severe autism, and Braeden’s patience and love never wavered. He worked hard and often went without to make sure Bentley had what he needed. He was the kind of dad who gave all of his heart, every single day.

On October 18th, a horrific fire broke out in the trailer where Braeden and Bentley lived. My youngest niece, Madison, was nearby and was the first to run to help. She called 911, and emergency crews arrived within minutes. Madison and Braeden did everything humanly possible to reach Bentley before fifteen firefighters took over. Madison suffered second-degree burns, smoke inhalation, and trauma that will stay with her for a long time. Braeden sustained severe smoke inhalation and third-degree burns on both arms — the same arms that always protected his son.

The investigation confirmed that the fire was a tragic accident. Bentley did not make it out. He was 11 years old. There are no words to describe the loss our family feels or the heartbreak that Braeden now faces.

Braeden is currently sedated and intubated in hospital. He’s stable, but not yet showing signs of improvement. Our family takes turns being with him and making sure he’s never alone. My oldest niece, Kailey, who is a nurse, is in regular contact with the hospital. My husband, Chris, and I are helping with the young children — Norah (16 months), Hunter (16 months), and Alexandra (3) — while also supporting my sister, Michelle, and our elderly Mum, Diane, as we try to hold each other up.

Braeden has lost everything — his son, his home, and all of his belongings. His sister, Madison, and her young daughter, Alex, were also deeply affected. Alex’s bedroom looks out onto what remains of the burnt trailer, and the sight has been very hard for her. She was taken to the hospital in an ambulance with her mum to be checked for smoke inhalation. Since then, Alex has not been back to the house because seeing smoke from a distant stack — even though it was unrelated — triggered fear and reminded her of the fire. Madison is doing her best to care for Alex and support Braeden, but the emotional and financial toll of this tragedy has been heavy on all of them.

Braeden also has four dogs — two adult dogs and two puppies that were loved by Bentley — who are currently without a home and will need help as part of his recovery and rebuilding.

We’re raising funds to help Braeden, Madison, and Alex as they recover and rebuild. These funds will help to cover funeral costs, replace essentials, secure a safe place to live, support Braeden’s dogs, and provide private counselling so the family can begin to heal from the trauma and loss they’ve experienced.

We’re a small family, but we’re doing everything we can to take care of each other. The kindness of friends and neighbours has reminded us that we’re not alone. One neighbour offered clothes, another opened their home when my sister couldn’t return to hers, and others have brought food, checked in, and offered love. Every act of kindness has meant more than words can say.

If you’re able to give, any amount — even $5 — means the world to us. And if you can’t, please consider sharing this page so others might see it and help.

Thank you, truly, for your kindness and compassion.

With love,
Lesley Barnes and Family