Queensland teen farewells twin sister and boyfriend after tragic incident at Mount Beerwah
A Queensland teenager is mourning the loss of her twin sister and her boyfriend, who were killed in a tragic hiking incident on Beerwah Mountain.
18-year-old Lorielle Russell and 18-year-old Jack Thatcher died after falling 100 meters down from the slippery summit after the rain on March 15.
Ms Russell died at the scene, while Mr Thatcher was taken to Sunshine Coast University Hospital in a critical condition.
He was on life support until he died three days later.
Four other hikers needed assistance but managed to get off the mountain safely and did not require medical treatment.
Funeral services were held for both 18-year-olds in Brisbane this week.
Mourners gathered at Our Lady of Graces Catholic Church in Carina on Friday to bid farewell to Ms. Russell.
His twin sister, Arabella Russell, was supported by family, friends and classmates from San Sisto College, the Courier Mail reported.
The school paid tribute to Ms. Russell and offered words of support to her family on Friday in a Facebook post that was flooded with comments from people who remembered the young woman as a lively, adventurous person.
“I am heartbroken for the Russell family but admire the strength and courage you showed during your service for Lorielle today,” one person said.
“I hope it will be some small consolation for all of you to know that you have the full support and prayers of the SSC community (past and present) behind you.”
“What a beautiful, adventurous young woman. I’m so sorry,” another person said.
Friends and family of the teenagers reunited to bid farewell to Mr Thatcher at a ceremony at Iona College in Brisbane on Saturday.
In an online fundraiser for Mr Thatcher’s family organized by Ryan Orbell, Thatcher was described as an “adventurous soul”.
“Jack was enjoying his life outdoors with his friends,” Mr. Orbell wrote.
“Please if you can help this beautiful family by contributing anything it will help relieve some of the extra burden on the family during this terrible and terrible time.
“All funds raised will be provided to the Jack Thatcher family to help cover all visible and invisible expenses as necessary.”
