Moore Park Beach residents shattered one week on from tragic death of Sophia Rose

In one week the Moore Park Beach community has been rocked by two deaths with a heart-wrenching message left in the aftermath. DETAILS

Just one week since the tragic death of 3-year-old Sophia Rose, a palpable sense of grief hangs over the neighbourhood north of Bundaberg.

Residents on Regency Rd in Moore Park Beach were some of the first to respond to the tragedy which unfolded outside their doorsteps on May 26.

Sophia Rose, the eldest of three children, was murdered by her mother while her father was out of town for work.

And today, a week on, an eerie silence remains at the property, broken only by the sound of dogs barking, seemingly disturbed by the slightest movement.

Stuffed toys, flowers and messages from the community have begun to collect outside the suburban home on Regency Rd.

On Friday Sophia’s mother Lauren Flanigan was found unresponsive in her prison cell, just days after entering custody.

The 32-year-old was taken to hospital in a critical condition just six days after the death of her daughter and died from her injuries on June 1.

Flowers, stuffed toys and messages of support for Sophia have begun to amass the home.

One message left outside the property simply reads “rest easy princess Sophia. May the angels be with you always beautiful”.

Stuffed toys, flowers and messages from the community have begun to collect outside the suburban home on Regency Rd.

A message written in the sand at the community led vigil for Sophia Rose on Sunday. Attendees decorated the artwork with glow sticks and candles. Image: Zade Johnstone.

Last night a community vigil was held in Sophia’s honour at the Moore Park Beach esplanade.

The touching memorial was organised by the Moore Park Community Association, and candles, bubbles and glow sticks lit up the night.

Libby French, one of Sophia’s educators from Kids and Co, said candles were a symbolic representation of the “light Sophia brought into our lives”.

“We loved her in the little moments - in the way she twirled, in the way she laughed, in the way she held our hands without hesitation,” she said.

“She loved back, so openly, so beautifully.”

Hundreds of Moore Park Beach residents gathered in pink and sparkles– the little girl’s favourite colour – to celebrate the life of Sophia Rose killed in last weeks tragedy. Image: Zade Johnstone.

People gather to remember Sophia Rose. Libby French & Kristielle Burrage from Kids & co console each other. Photo Paul Beutel

People gather to remember Sophia Rose who’s murdered by her Mother. Photo Paul Beutel

Kristielle Burrage, also from Kids and Co, said Sophia loved everything pink, glittery, and beautiful.

“How fitting, because Sophia herself was all those things,” she said.