Candlelight vigil for Gold Coast girl Sophie Wang, whose mother has been charged with her murder

Near a bubbling fountain, in the fading Friday twilight, a community gathered in comfort and loss to mourn one of its youngest members.

Near a bubbling fountain, in the fading Friday twilight, a community gathered in comfort and loss to mourn one of its youngest members.

As a crowd formed at a candlelight vigil for Sophie Wang - around the corner from Emmanuel College where she was a loved Year 5 student - the scale of grief was palpable.

Kids in Emmanuel uniforms waited for the vigil to begin at a cafe across the road, chatting quietly.

A woman touches the photograph of Gold Coast schoolgirl Sophie Wang at her candlelight vigil at Carrara on August 16, 2024. Photo: Kathleen Skene

Locals with eyes hidden by sunglasses milled past a photo of the little girl, where a single white balloon in the shape of a heart bobbed in the breeze.

Some turned their faces away, her youth and innocence difficult to contemplate in the context of what happened to her.

One by one, then 10 by 10, they came to place a candle at the fountain’s edge.

Some hugged, more cried. Others kept their candles to themselves, protected in their hands.

The crowd drew together for a minute’s silence, chatting and low voices replaced with nothing but the waterfall.

Sophie’s mother Yingying Xu, 46, was charged with murder after her husband Dr Yun Wang discovered the body of their daughter Sophie in the living room of their home at Emerald Lakes about 6pm on Tuesday.

Those affected by the violence of her death had the chance to instead reflect on the joys experienced in the short life of a girl described by those who knew her as kind, caring and compassionate.

Emmanuel college student Oliver Hayes was among those leaving flowers outside Sophie’s home during the week.

The 11-year-old paid his respects to his classmate and friend.

“To hear what happened, really made me cry,” he said.

“She was really nice to me and I really enjoyed it.

“There’s so many words to describe her.

“Kind and cares about anyone in need.”

Floral tributes and toys have been left around Emerald Lakes where Sophie Wang died.

10 year old Sophie Wang.

Sophie's principal at Emmanuel College, Dan Brown had earlier written about the impact her loss would have on the school.

“She was known for her love and passion for reading and learning, and was a high-achieving student who excelled in academic pursuits,” the tribute read.

“Sophie will be fondly remembered for her kindness, caring nature and unwavering positivity.

“She was an active participant in college life, contributing significantly to co-curricular performing arts programs and enrichment activities.

“Sophie’s legacy at Emmanuel College is one of dedication, compassion and enthusiasm.

“Her valuable contributions to our community will be cherished and remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

“She will be dearly missed.”

Emmanuel college student Oliver Hayes was a friend and classmate of Sophie Wang. He left flowers near her home this week.

The vigil will be held at the Main Fountain at 3030 The Boulevard Emerald Lakes, from 4-5pm tomorrow.

Those attending have been asked not to bring flowers or toys and that candles will be provided.

The quiet suburban street where Sophie had lived remained a crime scene on Thursday.

Just outside the police tape, floral tributes continued to grow as neighbours and a community grieve.

Long-term resident Beverly Hanly has lived next door to the Wang family for several years and developed a friendship.

A candlelight vigil has been organised for Sophie Wang.

10 year old Sophie Wang.

Emerging from her home she told the Bulletin on Thursday morning she was in “utter disbelief” and was struggling to process it all.

“They were a beautiful, kind and wonderful neighbours” Mrs Hanly said.

“I spoke to them often and I knew them well.”

Mrs Hanly said she had seen less of her neighbours over the past six months but it wasn’t any cause for concern.

“There was distance – It wasn’t intentional, we were just busy.

“I could never have imagined something like this would happen.”

Originally published as Candlelight vigil for Gold Coast girl Sophie Wang, whose mother has been charged with her murder