Block foreman Dan reveals daughter’s death

The Block’s Dan and Dani Reilly have shared the tragic news of their daughter’s death at just 10 days old.

In a joint post on Instagram, the couple said: “It is with insurmountable grief that we share the news that our daughter Billie has passed on from this life and into the next at just 10 days young.”
Their daughter, Billie Vera Reilly, was born on December 8 and died on Wednesday.

“In Billie’s short time in this world, she taught us an intensity of both love and pain we never knew possible. She taught us what really matters,” they said.

“Billie was so wanted, so loved and she made us parents … and what an honour it is to be her mummy and daddy. She will always be our daughter.”

The couple, known for starring on The Block in 2012 and a 2013 all-stars series, went into the show without prior renovation experience and left making more than $448,000.

Dan later returned to the show as co-foreman, and this year stepped into the lead foreman role for the series.

Dan had announced the couple were expecting in scenes that aired on the latest season of The Block in recent months.

The announcement has been met with an outpouring of condolences and grief from friends and family.

Fellow Block contestants Harry and Tash Pavlou wrote: “I can’t even begin to imagine what your world is like right now. I am so deeply sorry. Sending the biggest love, kisses and hugs”.

Sarah and George Bragias, who appeared on The Block’s 2020 season, wrote: “There are absolutely no words to make this situation any better, we’re so heartbroken for you”.

“We’re sending you so much love and strength. Fly high beautiful Billie.”

Dani and Dan shared a fundraiser for The Royal Women’s Hospital in their daughter’s memory.

“It’s clear to us that Billie was far too good for this world but if we know anything for sure, it’s that Billie’s legacy will make an impact greater than all of us,” they wrote.

“The nurses, doctors & staff in NICU are some of the most incredible people to walk this earth and we’ll be forever grateful for the care and love they gave our girl, and us.”

The couple asked for privacy during this time.

“We understand there will be questions, and so many of the answers we just don’t have yet. We’ll share more in time but for now we ask for privacy as we work through this together and with our loved ones.”