Family and friends arrive at the funeral of Qantas flight attendant Luke Davies after he was allegedly killed by a NSW police officer along with partner Jesse Baird, with his brother John telling attendees his sibling was taken ‘too soon’.
Police allege Officer Beau Lamarre-Condon murdered Mr Davies, 29, and Mr Baird, 26, at the latter’s terraced house in Paddington, in Sydney’s east, on February 19.
A memorial service for Mr Davies will begin in minutes at a local park in the Brisbane suburb of New Farm, where Mr Davies had previously lived.
Hundreds of loved ones flock to the park, many wearing white in honor of Mr Davies.
Photos of Mr Davies can be seen on two large screens outside the park’s rotunda, along with a floral tribute of sunflowers.
“I will forever try to be like you forever… you were taken from us way too soon,” his brother John said.
Luke Davies and Jesse Baird were allegedly murdered by former NSW police officer Beau-Lamarre-Condon at Mr Baird’s Paddington home in February. Image: supplied / Instagram
Luke Davies’ mother (centre) with family and friends at Luke Davies’ memorial service at New Farm Park in Brisbane
A crowd of loved ones attend Luke Davies’ funeral. Image: supplied
Claire Horsfield, a close friend of Mr Davies who met him through mutual friends, said today was a celebration of his life.
She said she was surprised by the number of people who attended.
“It shows the impact he had, he was just one person, but everyone was brought here today,” Ms Horsfield said.
“It’s a sad moment, but it’s one we want to cherish.”
A post-commemoration reception is expected to take place at the nearby Powerhouse Museum, following widespread grief over the couple’s deaths.
National carrier Qantas paid tribute to Mr Davies at Sydney’s Mardi Gras parade in March, displaying the nose cone of a plane bearing his name in their float.
A GoFundMe page run on behalf of Mr Davies’ mother, Sandra Davies, has raised more than $75,000 since the couple’s alleged murder more than two months earlier.
In an update in March, Mrs Davies thanked everyone who had donated – some as much as $2,000 – to her “beloved, and most beautiful, kindest son Luke”.
“These words just don’t seem enough for the overwhelming love and generosity that both Luke and Jesse have received over the past few weeks,” she said.
“To all the family, friends and strangers for your generous gifts and messages of support, we appreciate all your help during this very traumatic and difficult time.”
Hundreds of loved ones flock to the park, many wearing white in honor of Mr Davies
Luke Davies will be said goodbye on Saturday. Image: Instagram
The couple’s death sparked an outpouring of grief across the country. Photo Instagram
The campaign said the funds should be used to “help his (Mr Davies’) family at this tragic time and give him the send-off he deserves.”
Partner Jesse Baird, a producer at Network 10, was farewelled by family, friends and colleagues at a funeral in Melbourne earlier in March.
The bodies of Mr Davies and Mr Baird were found on February 27 at a remote property in Bungonia, about 200 kilometers south-west of Sydney – just under a week after they were first reported missing.
Beau Lamarre-Condon, a former NSW police officer, has been charged with murdering the couple – allegedly using his police-issued firearm – at Mr Baird’s home in inner-city Paddington on February 19.
He is said to have dumped the couple’s bodies on the Bungonia property on February 22.
The crime scene where Mr Davies was allegedly murdered along with partner Mr Baird
Mr Davies was a flight attendant with Qantas and was remembered at this year’s Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
The couple’s deaths sent shockwaves through Sydney and led to an outpouring of grief across the country.
Several vigils have already been held for the couple, including a silent gathering of 60 people in Bronte to honor Mr Davies’ life.
Last month, hundreds of mourners wore brightly colored clothing to farewell Mr Baird at a memorial service at the Plenty Ranges Art and Convention Centre, north of Melbourne.
Mr Baird’s mother Helen said there was “less sparkle in the world” in a heartbreaking speech about her loss.
“My beautiful, generous, loving, precious, caring and talented boy, our hearts and lives are forever changed,” she said.
“I promise to fight for you and make you proud. My heart is broken, my sweet boy, and I love you more than this world.”