A young individual allegedly received a threatening message consisting of eight words before being soaked in gasoline and ignited. Jacob Thompson, aged 19, is currently undergoing medical care in a hospital as he sustained burns covering approximately 32% of his body from the reported incident. The severe burns, including third-degree burns to his face, torso, arms, back, and legs, occurred on October 13.

Prior to the assault, law enforcement reported that Aaron Valette, 19, displayed a plastic bottle containing a clear liquid while warning Jacob with the statement, “If you come any closer I’ll burn you.” Subsequently, Valette purportedly poured the liquid on Jacob before setting him on fire. Quick action from onlookers helped put out the flames after the incident in Coonabarabran, located in New South Wales, Australia.

Following the attack, Jacob was rushed to a medical facility for treatment. Authorities suggest the occurrence stemmed from an ongoing dispute between two families in the region.

Valette has been accused of intentionally causing serious harm to an individual and engaging in a public brawl. Another individual, Mavis Chatfield, aged 45, has also been charged with involvement in the altercation, and both have been denied bail.

In a statement to a local news outlet, Jacob’s family expressed deep distress over the assault, emphasizing its traumatic impact on Jacob and the entire family who witnessed the event firsthand. The family noted the immense challenges faced in recent weeks and Jacob’s enduring pain, currently managed with medication.

Initially on life support, Jacob has shown slight improvements but continues to experience breathing difficulties. Despite the ordeal of the past two weeks, he maintains a positive outlook as he grapples with his injuries.

Receiving care at Concord Hospital, Jacob is accompanied by his family, who have relocated from their former residence out of safety concerns. To support Jacob and his family, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched, highlighting the severity of his injuries and the prolonged medical journey ahead, necessitating a safe environment for ongoing treatment and recovery.