Shooting victims Chelsea Ireland and Lukasz Klosowski farewelled at emotional funeral services
Family and friends have gathered to pay their final respects and farewell young couple Chelsea Ireland and Lukasz Klosowski, who were killed during a family gathering in the state’s South-East.
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They were the perfect young couple – two angels who had so much more to offer.
One was kind and courageous, the other had a beautiful soul and a glowing smile.
The legacies of Chelsea Ireland and Lukasz Klosowski have been shared by family and friends during emotional farewells at their funerals.
Chelsea and Lukasz, both aged 19, were shot dead during a family gathering on a rural property at Mount McIntyre, 19km northeast of Millicent, on August 22.
Delivering a powerful eulogy to his daughter, Greg Ireland described Chelsea as courageous, caring, generous, kind-hearted, strong, brave and passionate.
“She was all of these and so much more but she was incredibly humble. She had fallen in love with her soulmate. She had so much to live for,” Mr Ireland said.
Mr Ireland revealed his first meeting with Lukasz at a Year 12 Christian Brothers College formal, where Chelsea was his date.
“We saw Chelsea and went up to her with her date – the young lad extended his hand … and with a firm handshake said ‘Hi, I’m Whiplash’.”
“His friends called him Whiplash because they could not pronounce ‘Wook-ash’.
“It’s likely the most serious conversation I’ve ever had with him that didn’t involve food or beer. Little did we know we had just met the love of Chelsea’s life.”
Mr Ireland spoke of how his daughter would occasionally bring home leftover food from her job at Bakers Delight to leave out for homeless people on her way to school the next day.
“I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on Chelsea’s life and by association my own,” he said.
“It’s led me to come to the conclusion that if I’m half the person Chelsea is I’ll be twice the person I am. Goodbye sweetheart, see you on the other side.”
Chelsea’s sister Maddie fought back tears as she recalled how her younger sibling helped shape her life and how she wished she could have protected her.
“Although you are my baby sister and younger in age, you are definitely not young in spirit and wisdom,” Maddie said.
“In 19 years you have more maturity than I ever will. Your street smarts and well-travelled nature have helped shape you into the independent, strong and brave woman I know and love.
“Your emotional maturity helped me in my times of need and I will always be grateful to you for being my guiding light through the chaos that is me.
“I’m sorry I could not be there in your final moments to save you and protect you as all big sisters should.
“I always want to be there to shield you from the demons of this world and I’m sorry I couldn’t. Now it will be up to you to protect me with your light shining down on me.”
Maddie also paid tribute to Lukasz, who she described him as the brother she always wanted.
“You brought a smile to my face almost every time except for when I opened the fridge and saw all the food I was saving had been eaten,” she said.
“I’m so grateful to have met you through our Chels. I’m thankful you made her so happy and turned her into the princess who loves make up and dresses that I knew was inside her.
“I will really miss your company at our table and on our couch binge watching Netflix but most of all I will miss your humour, your contagious laugh and your beautiful smile.
“I love you and I love how much you love Chels too.”
Chelsea’s mother Debra Ireland described her daughter as artistic, funny and smart, and having “great plans and big dreams”.
“She was a confident cook from young age, talented at doing hair and a Crows supporter.
We feel sure her spirit played a part in their recent success,” Mrs Ireland said.
“She loved Milo and had about four glasses every day but even at the age of 19 she still couldn’t make one without spilling the milk and Milo on the kitchen bench.”
Mrs Ireland said her daughter’s wish was for everyone to live their lives a little better.
“In Chelsea’s honour, the next time you see a homeless person, think of Chels and shout them a coffee or some food,” she said.
“When doing your weekly shop if you have a choice choose one with less plastic, use metal straws, keep cups and reusable wraps. As Chelsea would say, every bit helps.”
Chelsea’s family has previously paid tribute to the “compassionate, selfless and fearless” young woman, who they say was “going to change the world”.
Lukasz was remembered as a young man who inspired his friends with his vision for the future of Adelaide and his quest for the perfect burrito.
Lukasz’s funeral, held at the Church of The Resurrection in Unley, heard of a kind young man who would be remembered for his glowing smile and long blond hair.
“Beautiful mind, beautiful soul. Two angels. It’s very hard to find any words. There are no words to describe what happened,” one mourner said.
“I’ll never forget him. The sense of humour, the kindness, the family style, all that was represented.”
Both families requested donations to children’s charity Puddle Jumpers, where Chelsea was a volunteer. An online fundraiser has already surpassed $14,000.
Lukasz’s father – Pawel Klosowski, 46, of Mount McIntyre – is charged with two counts of murder and has been remanded in custody to reappear in court in December.