Grenfell Tower death toll rises as women dies months after being rescued from blazing tower

Maria Del Pilar Burton, who was rescued from the 19th floor of Grenfell Tower, has died seven months on from the blaze
Chloe Chaplain28 February 2018

A woman rescued from the 19th floor of Grenfell Tower has died months on from the blaze, her husband has announced.

Maria Del Pilar Burton, 74, known as Pily, had been in hospital ever since her home was destroyed by the fire last June, killing her dog and 71 of her neighbours.

She suffered from serious long-term health conditions prior to the disaster and required specialist care.

Her husband Nicholas Burton said she died on January 29. The cause of her death has not been disclosed.

He said in a statement: "My beautiful wife Maria Del Pilar, known to everyone as Pily, passed away on January 29.

Nicholas Burton released a statement asking for privacy 
Jeremy Selwyn

"Pily was well known in our community, she was what people call a real character. A character in the best sense of the word - she was flamboyant, colourful, passionate and friendly.

"Everyone on Portobello knew her and when we went to the market on the weekend she would stop and chat all the way along.

"She had such a big heart. We were together for 34 years. She was the love of my life.

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"On the night of the fire we were rescued together from the 19th floor of Grenfell Tower.

"I would like to ask for privacy at this time, as I lay my wife to rest this week."

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