Vigil planned for Emily Thompson at Rob Akers Reserve week after tragic death

Candles will be lit, poems read and tears undoubtedly shed this Saturday evening as dusk settles over the Strathpine park where Emily Thompson’s short but beautiful life was cut short.

Candles will be lit, poems read and tears undoubtedly shed this Saturday evening as dusk settles over the Strathpine park where Emily Thompson’s short but beautiful life was cut short.

Court documents allege the 18-year-old was killed where she met her ex-boyfriend, at Rob Akers Reserve, and her body was then dumped on the Sunshine Coast.

Ms Thompson’s friends and family have organised a special vigil at the place where she died, Rob Akers Reserve, exactly a week on from her tragic death.

Thompson family spokeswoman Tracey Pelling said it was important to give friends, family and even strangers a chance to grieve as one.

“Bring a candle, feel free to cry, but please don’t be afraid to speak her name,” Ms Pelling said.

Emily Nicole Thompson was killed last Saturday. – Photo Supplied Instagram

Ms Thompson was killed at the reserve on Saturday afternoon after allegedly going to meet her ex-boyfriend, Aaron Daniel Mitchelson Huckel.

Her frantic family called police about 7pm when she didn’t return home, and her car was found with keys still inside at the reserve she was meant to meet her ex.

Mitchelson Huckel was quickly found at a service station at Nambour and arrested.

Ms Thompson’s body was found in bushland nearby about 3am on Sunday.

Police at the scene on Park Road at Nambour where Ms Thompson was found. Picture Lachie Millard

The place where Ms Thompson was killed. Brisbane. Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail

Mitchelson Huckel has since been charged with her murder.

Ms Thompson, a Pine Rivers State High School senior, had just turned 18 years old and was weeks away from graduating and going to formal.

Ms Pelling said the vigil on Saturday would be a chance to bring people together.

“It allows friends and family, and even strangers who feel connected, to pay their respects and provide comfort for one another,” she said.

“There are so many young people affected by Emily’s death and going to a funeral might be just too hard for them.

Emily Nicole Thompson, 18, body was found dumped in bushland along Park Rd in Nambour and Aaron Mitchelson Huckel, 19, was charged with her murder and misconduct with corpse by interfering after the body. – Photo Supplied Instagram

“A candlelight vigil gives an opportunity for people who are grieving to embrace and mourn in a less formal setting.”

The vigil is being organised by family friends with the help of representatives from Small Steps 4 Hannah.

“It will include sharing of readings, poetry and music that was special to Emily,” Ms Pelling said.

“There will be a box for people to place notes which will be read later.

“As the sun sets we will light candles to join in a silent vigil to remember our Emily.”

Mourners are also encouraged to bring a sunflower – Ms Thompson’s favourite.

Since Ms Thompson’s death, a Go Fund Me set up to help her family has raised more than $40,000.

Emily Nicole Thompson, 18, body was found dumped in bushland along Park Rd in Nambour and Aaron Mitchelson Huckel, 19, was charged with her murder and misconduct with corpse by interfering after the body – Photo Supplied Instagram

Ms Pelling said her family were touched by the support.

“They are overwhelmed by how far Emily has reached in her short but beautiful life and are extremely humbled and grateful for everything that everyone is doing.”

The vigil will be held on October 29 from 4pm to 6pm at Swans AFL oval, Rob Akers Park in Strathpine.

People are asked to bring a picnic rug or chairs, an electric candle, and to wear something black, green, brown, red or purple- Ms Thompson’s favourite colours.

Small Steps 4 Hannah’s Tish Byram and Rebecca O’Gorman will host the vigil on behalf of The Thompson Family.

“(Emily) was as kid – she was supposed to be going to a formal, finishing her final year,” she said.

“There is a whole Year 12 cohort who are trying to sit exams and are mourning the loss of one of their classmates.”

Ms Byram said it is a “devastating” time for the entire community including Ms Thompson’s work colleagues at IGA French’s Forest in Petrie.

Meanwhile, a post shared on behalf of Staci Maree, who works at Bazza Bakehouse, revealed another event will be held for Ms Thompson on Friday afternoon at French’s Forest Shopping Centre about 5pm.

“We would like for our community to have closure and help IGA team move forward from such a devastating tragedy,” she wrote.

“Bazza Bakehouse currently have a money box on the bench for anyone who would like to donate to the family, or the GoFundMe.”