Tales of anger & sadness at vigil for Hannah Clarke & children

Tales of anger & sadness shared at vigil for Hannah Clarke, Aaliyah, Laianah & Trey

Hannah Clarke
More than one thousand people gathered in Brisbane on Sunday night to remember Hannah Clarke and her three children, who were brutally murdered by her estranged husband last week.

Family, friends and members of the community attended the public vigil for Hannah, Aaliyah, Laianah and Trey.

Members of Hannah’s family and some of her closest friends addressed the crowd gathered, speaking of Hannah’s strength and their devastation at her loss.

Dressed in pink, Hannah’s father Lloyd and brother Nathaniel thanked those gathered, including police, ambulance workers, school friends and family, for their support during the hardest time of their life.

“I am just lost at the number of people Hannah’s life has touched,” Lloyd Clarke said.

“We would have felt lost without all your support…I don’t know how we can repay such kindness.”

Nathaniel described his sister as someone who would always put others before herself.

“For those who did not know Hannah, she was the most amazing person you could ever meet,” he said. “You would always leave there smiling. She had to share everyone’s big moments and she would always be there.

“When something like this happens to someone like that, you lose a bit of faith in the world.”

Hannah’s close friend Lou Farmer also addressed the crowd, speaking of her friend’s bravery and describing the children as joyful.

“She had a strong spirit. It took a lot of courage for her to leave,” she said. “In their short lives, Hannah, Aaliyah, Laianah and Trey loved hard and laughed every single day.

“Hannah carried the weight of the world on her shoulders and you never knew it, her strength was only matched by her wicked sense of humour.

“Life will never be the same without you here, you have touched the hearts of all Australians and we pledge your deaths will not be in vain.”

Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll said that in her final weeks, Hannah Clarke had spoken of joining the police force.

“I have no doubt that Hannah would have made an incredible police officer,” Carroll said.

“Right through to her passing, Hannah showed amazing courage and heroism, ensuring she gave emergency services at the scene a detailed statement of the horrific events that unfolded.

Countless bouquets of flowers and soft toys were laid at the site and many signed condolence books, leaving messages of utter despair, sadness and anger.

The vigil began and ended with the haunting sounds of a sole bagpiper.

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