The girlfriend of a British farmhand who died while trying to save her horse from a fast-moving bushfire in Western Australia's south has paid tribute to her "goofball" hero.
Authorities confirmed on Wednesday morning that four people had died in the blaze north of Esperance, and that afternoon, Leila Vadnjal took to Facebook to say she didn't know where her 31-year-old boyfriend Tom Butcher was.
"RIP to the people who have lost their lives.
"Still no news from Tom and no idea where Cougs is."
Tom Butcher was a mechanical fitter by trade but working as a farmhand along with Norwegian Anna Winther, 29, and German Julia Kohrs-Lichte, 19, who came with him in his desperate bid to save Cougar, Ms Vadnjal's beloved chestnut horse.
It's believed their burnt-out truck and horse float was found close to the ute of Scaddan farmer Kym "Freddy" Curnow, 45, who was warning others to evacuate when he was trapped and killed by the fire.
On Thursday, Ms Vadnjal learned the awful news about her partner.
"The day I met you I told you that we were soulmates," she posted.
"Although I am feeling lost I have so many memories that we shared together.
"The love and the laughter. I will remember and cherish our last kiss and touch and the way you would tell me `in a bit' as your way of saying bye."
She also posted a message to Cougar.
"You were in my life for 10 years Coug.
"Introducing Tom to you was the best thing to happen.
"You have had the best 6 months of your life on paddocks, being galloped, being loved and cherished by an amazing man."
She described Mr Butcher in posts on Friday as her "goofball", the "selfie king" and her hero, posting a photo he'd taken of himself in a grain harvester.
Share
