The Brisbane families facing the first Christmas without their loved ones

Three brave families who lost loved ones in highly publicised tragedies this year reveal the heartbreaking reality of facing their first Christmas without them.

Families honours those lost in 2022 to tragedy on our roads.

Christmas is a happy time, a time for celebration, laughter and love with your nearest and dearest. But for many Saturday will mark the first Christmas without their loved ones.

In a brave gensure three families have shared intimate moments and paid tribute to those who can’t be here for the festive season.

LIANAH PAIGE POWER

Lianah Paige Power, 21, died from injuries following a traffic crash on Monday March 28 at Dayboro in the Moreton Bay region.

Lianah’s parents, Wayne and Susan Power, are about to face their first christmas without their beloved daughter, describing what this time of year means to them and their family.

“Christmas in the Power house has always been welcomed with open arms and celebrated wholeheartedly” Mr Power said, “this year we will still do our best to enjoy what was one of Lianah’s favourite times of the year.”

Lianah celebrating Christmas at home, Photo: Wayne Power

“Some of the best memories I have as a father are of seeing the joy on the faces of our children on Christmas morning sitting around the tree opening presents and enjoying each other’s company” Mr power said.

“Although it definitely won’t be the same without Lianah here to celebrate with us, we choose to continue with our traditions because we know that’s the way she would want it.”

Mr Power described the feeling of grief he and Lianah’s family have felt since her passing in March. Stating that their grief has not diminished over time.

Christmas decorations adorning Lianah’s grave. Photo: Wayne Power

“It is just as painful as the first time we became aware of our tragic loss, but we learn to grow around it” Mr Power said, “we accept that there will always be a piece missing from our family, but we remain bonded together with Lianah never far from our thoughts.”

Memorial t-shirts made to celebrate Lianah’s 22nd birthday last month with friends and family. Photo: Wayne Power

Mr and Mrs Power have sent out a heartfelt plea to those driving this christmas to highlight the importance of road safety.

“Our hearts go out to all of the people who are suffering the loss of a loved one. Sadly we are not unique” Mr Power said.

“You don’t have to look far to see a cross like our daughters on the side of the road somewhere which always sends a shudder through my body.”

“Expressing the importance of road safety at this time of year, especially to young adults out there, is extremely important to our family.” Mr Power said.

“We are reminded daily through memories, songs, pictures and videos of our Angel. Although they are not enough - it’s all we have. We will be toasting to our girl this Christmas, as we do on every special occasion.”

MICHAEL WARBURTON

Michael Warburton, 59, from Hemmant was riding home about 9.20am on September 27 when a stolen car, crossed to the wrong side of the road and struck Mr Warburton in Wynnum West.

He was rushed to the PA Hospital, but died later that night from his injuries.

His widow, Anita Warburton, says their family will have a very quiet Christmas this year, in what will be their first Christmas without Michael.

Hemmant man Michael Warburton who died after a tragic hit and run on September 26. Picture: Facebook

“Michael wasn’t really into Christmas, except for time together with family and friends” Mrs Warburton said, “so we are having a very quiet Christmas together as a family sharing stories and trying to enjoy each other’s company.”

Mrs Warburton said that there are still hard times that lay ahead for her family.

“To be honest it’s been hard and very sad, our family is doing the best they can, we had our youngest son’s 21st on the 19th of December, and it’s Michaels 60th birthday on the 6th of January, so (there are) some more hard days to come.”

Mrs Warburton is creating a memorial garden at their property in Hemmant for her late husband “I am waiting for a memory Rock that I have ordered to put Michaels ashes in with a plaque, we are planning on having a memorial garden at the house to keep Michael close to us” Mrs Warburton said.

Jessica, Anita and Riley, Warburton pictured outside their home in Brisbane, 29th September 2022. Anitas husband (Michael Warburton) was killed in a hit and run crash. (Image/Josh Woning)

Mrs Warburton expressed her wish that no other families should have to go through a loss like her family have gone through.

“I just don’t want this to happen to any other families, I find it hard to keep going everyday without him.”

“it’s not getting any easier, I cry every day for the loss of my soulmate” Mrs Warburton said, “I never planned to be doing all this without him.”

BLAKE WHELL

Blake Whell, 22, tragically lost his life in a Logan caravan fire on March 23 this year.

He died while trying to shield his heavily pregnant partner Tomeka Willis from the flames, who narrowly survived and successfully delivered their child in hospital.

Blake’s older brother James said Christmas this year will not be the same for the Whell family and they always came together for the occasion.

“It won‘t ever be the same,” said James Whell.

“Blakeys’ always been there for Christmas time as the family house or at mine so this year will be difficult, being the first Christmas without him.

“As long as he was with his family he was happy. He made everyone smile.

“The family is hurting.”

Blake Whell tragically passed away in a Logan caravan fire on March 21 while saving his pregnant partner Tomeka Willis

Mr Whell said he struggled day to day with the absence of his brother in his life and wanted to do something special to commemorate him.

“It hits you randomly knowing you won‘t ever see him again, it’s been hard.

“I wanna do something special for Blake like get a big framed picture made of him for his daughters, saying what a good bloke he was.”