Private farewell for ‘truly great human beings’ as families share heartbreak
Families and friends are attending a private funeral to mourn a Brisbane couple and their unborn baby boy who were killed in a shocking Australia Day crash.
Crash victims Kate Leadbetter and Matt Field, whose tragic deaths put the spotlight on Queensland's youth crime issues. (ABC photo)
Kate Leadbetter was pregnant when she and her partner Matt Field were struck by an allegedly stolen car driven by a teenager in Alexandra Hills on January 26.
The crash shocked the state and has left their families devastated with police appealing for people to allow them to privately farewell the couple at Wynnum West on Monday.
“The families of Matt and Kate extend their gratitude to the community for the support it has shown during this incredibly difficult time,” Queensland Police said in a statement.
“Both families understand there will be a high degree of interest from the community, and while they understand and appreciate this, they wish to have their privacy respected so that everyone attending (including school-aged children) can say goodbye and grieve privately.”
In a public statement three days after the accident, the families thanked emergency services, witnesses, and those who left flowers, attended vigils and looked for the couple’s lost dog Frankie, for their love and support.
“Our lives have been shattered,” the families said a video statement.
“To have lost three cherished members of our families in such a senseless and sudden way is beyond our comprehension.
“We are grief-stricken that they never got to experience the birth of their baby boy, who we discovered in recent weeks was to be named Miles.”
The couple had built a nursery for Miles “with love and anticipation”, they said.
“All children are precious and wonderful in the eyes of their families, but Matt and Kate were truly great human beings, talented and funny and such good company at the happiest point in their lives, about to embark on the thrilling adventure of parenthood,” the relatives said.
“We were so looking forward to sharing that adventure with them. Kate, Matt and little Miles, we love you, we miss you, we are forever heartbroken.”
Police are awaiting legal advice on whether they can also charge the 17-year-old accused of murdering the Brisbane couple over the death of their unborn child.
He allegedly ran a red light and deliberately collided with a truck at an intersection before the four-wheel-drive rolled and ploughed into the couple who were crossing the road.
The teen has been remanded to reappear in court by video link in March.
-AAP
