Dad In Photograph Taken Outside Notre-Dame Cathedral Before Fire Comes Forward
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The dad who was pictured playing with his daughter outside Notre-Dame Cathedral has been found.
Shortly after the blaze, the touching picture - taken before the devastating fire ripped through the 850-year-old building - went viral, with the photographer asking for help in tracking down the mystery father and daughter.
Almost a week on from the tragic incident, Brooke Windsor, who originally posted the photo has confirmed the dad has come forward and shared a heartwarming message.
In a tweet, Brooke wrote: "The search is over! The photo has reached the dad & family.
"He has chosen to remain anonymous in the wake of tragedy, and writes: 'Thanks again for that beautiful photo, we will find a special place for it.'
"Thank you to everyone who has shared the picture and for your kind words."
She added later: "He reached out to me here on Twitter. I knew y'all could do it."
According to reports, the fire could have started as a result of an electrical short-circuit.
The claims have come anonymously from a French judicial police official, despite there being no access to the landmark yet due to safety concerns.
The fire broke out at around 6.40pm on Monday (15 April) and firefighters managed to 'save and preserve' the main structure, although parts of the historic building in Paris, France, have been gutted.
The Paris prosecutors' office ruled out arson and possible terror-related motives - it is now being treated as an accident.
I took this photo as we were leaving #NotreDame about an hour before it caught on fire. I almost went up to the dad and asked if he wanted it. Now I wish I had. Twitter if you have any magic, help him find this :pray: pic.twitter.com/pEu33ubqCK
- Brooke Windsor (@brookeawindsor) April 16, 2019
Thankfully, all precious artefacts and artwork have been saved from the historic building, according to a Notre-Dame cathedral priest.
According to the BBC, these items included what is claimed to be the crown of thorns worn by Jesus before his crucifixion and also a tunic, which King Louis IX is said to have worn when he delivered the crown of thorns to Paris.
French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to rebuild the 850-year-old landmark, saying that the 'worst has been avoided'.
He explained: "We'll rebuild this cathedral all together and it's undoubtedly part of the French destiny and the project we'll have for the coming years. That's what the French expect because it's what our history deserves."
At the time of the inferno, mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo described the fire as 'terrible' and urged people to stay away from the blaze.
She said: "A terrible fire is underway at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. The @PompiersParis are trying to control the flames. We are mobilised on the spot in close connection with the @dioceseParis. I ask everyone to respect the security perimeter."
The construction of Notre-Dame - which means 'Our Lady' - began in 1160 and was mostly completed a hundred years later in 1260. It has been modified on numerous occasions throughout the centuries since.
Featured Image Credit: PA
Topics: World News
