Friends and family pay emotional tributes at Emily Thompson’s vigil

Family and school friends have shared treasured memories at a candlelight vigil for Emily Thompson, following the teenager’s alleged murder by her ex-boyfriend.

About 300 people gathered at Rob Akers Park in Strathpine on Saturday afternoon to pay their respects to Emily Thompson. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Bright yellow sunflowers and treasured photos of teenager Emily Thompson were on display at an emotional candlelight vigil a week after her alleged murder.

About 300 people gathered at Rob Akers Park in Strathpine on Saturday afternoon to grieve and share precious memories.

Emily’s school friends fought back tears as they recalled their last moments with her.

People gather at Rob Akers Reserve for the candlelight vigil for Emily Thompson. Picture: Zak Simmonds

“I keep replaying the last moments I spent with you. Last Friday afternoon you drove me and my little sister home because it was raining,” one said.

“We just had our last psychology class together and I remember screaming the lyrics to Womanizer by Britney Spears with you and listening to you give me your thoughts on the Taylor Swift album that had dropped only an hour prior.”

Two of Ms Thompson’s IGA colleagues also shared an emotive tribute to Emily.

Event MC Rod Schafferius shared a statement on behalf of Emily Thompson’s family at the vigil. Picture: Zak Simmonds

“Emily always gave the best advice and always knew what to say,” one said.

“Emily always made my day shine a little brighter,” another said.

Event MC Rod Schafferius shared a statement on behalf of Ms Thompson’s family.

“We’ve always known that our Em was special, caring, loving, fun, clever and feisty,” he told the vigil.

“What we’re learning more now is the depth of love felt by the wider community.”

Ms Thompson’s ex-boyfriend Aaron Daniel Mitchelson Huckel has been charged with her murder.