Shyanne-Lee Tatnell funeral: moving farewell to ‘beautiful’ teen found dead on Tasmanian hiking trail
Mourners have gathered to say goodbye to a ‘beautiful’ teenager whose alleged murder in rural Tasmania sparked a months-long manhunt.
Shyanne-Lee Tatnell was found dead last month near a hiking trail in the northeastern part of the state after disappearing from Launceston in April.
Tasmania police have since arrested Scottsdale man Christopher Mark Jordan, 36, who was charged with the alleged murder of the 14-year-old.
Hundreds of people gathered at the Chapel of Parkside Funerals in Burnie on Saturday, with nearly 1,000 people watching via an online live stream.
The service began with the lighting of candles in honor of Mrs Tatnell and the grief of her family and the close-knit Tasmanian community.
Shyanne-Lee Tatnell was found dead near a hiking trail in the state’s northeast last month Photo: Facebook.
Mourners were told the funeral was a ‘harder moment’ than expected given that many questions about Ms Tatnell’s death were left unanswered.
Ms Tatnell’s father, Nathan, described the young teenager as his ‘little puddin’ and said in a post that he was proud to have seen her grow into a ‘young lady’.
“You’ve always made me so proud—aside from stealing Nan’s car,” he said.
“I have to say I was a little impressed with how far you’ve come at fourteen.
Bobbi-Lee Ketchell with a young Shyanne-Lee Tatnell, whose remains were found last month. Photo: Facebook
“I laughed a lot telling people what you did.
“The pain I feel now is tearing me apart knowing I can no longer watch you grow up.
“You were taken too soon.
‘You’ll always be daddy’s pudding bear.
‘See you soon.’
Ms Tatnell’s father described one of the last times the couple spoke, with the young teen describing her excitement about returning to school and making friends.
Born in August 2008, Mr Tatnell was described as a ‘chubby bubby’ who brought love and light to her family and loved being the center of attention.
A person close to the family described the difficulties the stubborn teen faced after she started high school, before recently moving to Launceston.
“Shyanne became strong-willed and rebellious, resisting the limits placed on her and finally deciding she could do whatever she wanted,” they said.
Police formally identified Ms Tatnell’s remains through DNA testing last week. Photo: Facebook
“The lessons Shyanne leaves for all of us, how to do everything in your power to keep your children safe, listen with open ears and hearts, and never stop loving.”
A neighbor of the family, Gina, described Mrs Tatnell as her ‘dear neighbour’ and reminisced watching her ‘grow up laughing and just having fun’.
Even when you left, you would never hesitate to stop and say hello with your beautiful smile. That will always stay with me,” Gina told the service.
Ms Tatnell’s stepsister, Lakeisha, said she couldn’t describe how she felt that her “her only sister” had tragically passed away.
“There were so many different emotions, and eventually it became total overload and too much for me to handle,” she said.
“My little sister, my little girl, the one person I used to fight with, and then sit there and laugh because the fight was funny and it was gone.”
Ms Tatnell’s family encouraged mourners to bring written notices to be placed with the teen at a funeral service.
Mother Bobbi-Lee Ketchell, who was active on social media during the frantic search, broke her silence in a Facebook tribute last month.
“Heaven has now gained two of my beautiful children. Their wings were ready, but my heart wasn’t,” said Mrs. Ketchell.
My little girl, I will stay strong and remain your voice – protecting you was something I couldn’t do or save you.
“I’m blessed to be your mother and you’re coming home, just not the way I hoped.”
A GoFundMe account set up earlier this month has so far raised $2,300 to help Ms. Ketchell.
The teenager’s disappearance and subsequent death sent shock waves through Tasmania’s tight-knit communities. Mother Bobbi-Lee Ketchell, right. Photo: Facebook
Organizer Joanne Nicholls said Ms. Ketchell didn’t want flowers or gifts.
“(This is) an opportunity for members of the public to show their support,” Ms Nicholls said.
“In lieu of flowers or gifts, please donate here. All donations go directly to the family’s needs.”
More than 180 aid workers, including Tasmanian police, were involved in the search.
Police formally identified Ms Tatnell’s remains through DNA testing last week.
The teenager’s disappearance and subsequent death sent shock waves through Tasmania’s tight-knit communities.
The Mercury reported seeing flowers, teddy bears and heartfelt messages on Henry St bridge in Launceston.
Mr. Jordan has been remanded in custody, where he will remain until his next trial on August 16.
No pleas have been entered.