There have been tears shed and anger expressed at a vigil held in Brisbane for Hannah Clarke and her three children who were murdered by her estranged husband.
Over a thousand family, friends and strangers showed up to the public memorial which was held on Sunday evening, remembering the 31-year-old mother as a beautiful, strong woman, and her children Aaliyah, 6, Laianah, 4 and Trey, 3, as happy and joyful.
Ms Clarke’s estranged husband Rowan Baxter doused her and their children with petrol before setting them alight in the family car in Camp Hill on Wednesday. An act that shocked the nation.
Ms Clarke’s brother Nathaniel Clarke, who had his father’s support, spoke to mourners and described her as selfless and someone who always put others before herself.
“For those who did 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.”
Mr Baxter, who has been branded a “violent monster” by Ms Clarke’s family and friends, died at the scene from self-inflicted wounds.
“I don’t want us to get caught up in the blame game – there was no excuse, there could never be an excuse,” said friend Nikki Brookes.
“The blame lives and dies with him.
“We are a nation in pain, whether you knew our beautiful Hannah or not, we are all deeply affected by this tragedy.”
Hannah’s father Lloyd Clarke thanked first responders and those who had shown the family support.
“This has been the hardest week of our lives,” he said.
“[We] have been overwhelmed by the number of people who have gone out of their way to offer their support and help when our whole world has collapsed.
“You’ve restored our faith that there are good and decent people in this world.”
