Family shares single coffin
Brother pays tribute to slain sister and her three children
THREE young Brisbane children who were doused in petrol and set alight by their father have been remembered as gorgeous, fun-loving siblings who were the light of their mother’s life.
The funeral for Hannah Clarke and her children Laianah, Aaliyah and Trey was held yesterday, three weeks after the actions of her estranged husband Rowan Baxter sent shockwaves across Australia.
Their remains were laid to rest in a single white coffin, adorned with pink flowers, with Ms Clarke’s parents Lloyd and Suzanne Clarke surrounded by family, friends and supporters.
Her younger brother, Nat, told the packed Brisbane church he had loved his “amazing sister” from the moment he was born, and described them not as siblings, but as best friends.
“Hannah was the greatest mum to walk the earth,” he said.
Mr Clarke said his sister had been looking forward to finally being happy after leaving her husband and starting to rebuild her life.
“I am so sorry I couldn’t protect you,” he added.
Mr Clarke described his nieces and nephew as beautiful children who reflected their mother. “Aaliyah, you were everything a big sister should be, brave, strong and quite bossy,” Mr Clarke said.
“Laianah, you were the ratbag, the little middle. There was so much of Hannah in you.
“You were beautiful, sweet and caring with an amazing imagination.
“You were the sweetest kid and a beautiful mermaid.
“Trey, mother’s little man and her best surprise.”
The attack that killed Ms Clarke and her family has sparked calls for greater efforts to bring an end to domestic violence.
Hannah was on fire as she leapt from the driver’s seat of her car, screaming “he’s poured petrol on me” and people rushed to try to put out the flames.
She died in hospital hours later with burns to 97 per cent of her body.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll, senior police officers, firefighters and paramedics are among those who gathered in the rain to pay their respects to the family yesterday.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), Lifeline 131 114