‘We need time to grieve’: Friends and family farewell Matt Field and Kate Leadbetter

A couple killed in a Brisbane crash along with their unborn child have been farewelled, with family releasing heartbreaking images.

Family and friends have gathered to farewell a couple and their unborn child killed in a horrific crash while walking their dogs on Australia Day in Brisbane.

In a heartbreaking detail, the pet dogs of Matt Field, 37, and Kate Leadbetter, 31, watched the private service on Monday.

The dogs, Frankie and Django, survived when their owners were struck by an allegedly stolen car.

Two coffins, adorned with a white cloth and flowers, lay side-by-side at Iona College where Mr Field previously attended.

The family have released a new photo of Kate and Matt.

Ms Leadbetter was six-months pregnant with the couple’s first child, who they had named Miles, when the tragedy unfolded in Alexandra Hills.

Residents of Brisbane’s bayside rallied to help find Frankie, who took off alongside Django, after the crash.

Django was intercepted by a local resident who spotted the dog running down a street near the crash site, but Frankie was too quick.

Her disappearance sparked a social media groundswell to find the animal, who required medication due to treat Addison’s disease.

She was found 16 hours after the accident in “deep bushland” by volunteers.

Queensland Police issued a statement on behalf of the couple’s families following the service.

The couple’s two dogs Frankie and Django were in attendance at the funeral.

The couple were killed in a tragic crash on Australia Day.

RELATED: Family of Alexandra Hills couple killed in crash reveal ‘unbearable’ pain

“Today, alongside our friends and family, we farewelled Matt, Kate and baby Miles, during a private ceremony,” the family said in a statement.

“Our families would like to thank everyone who joined us to say goodbye and extend our sincerest thanks to the wider community for the support and compassion it has shown us.

“To the first responders and police who looked after Matt, Kate and Miles, and who have supported our families throughout this difficult time, words cannot express the depth of our gratitude for the way you have cared for each and every one of us.

“We are incredibly grateful for everything you have done.

“We also would like to thank the staff at Iona College who went to great lengths to help us in farewelling Matt, Kate and Miles today. It was their wonderful assistance which allowed us to remain COVID compliant today through the use of their school halls and live streaming capacity to ensure we met all guidelines.

Family and friends gathered for the private funeral.

Kate Leadbetter was six-months pregnant when the tragic incident unfolded.

“Our families need time together to grieve. Our hearts go out to everyone missing them today, and we thank you for honouring their memories with us.”

Kate’s aunt Danielle Leadbetter has previously said her niece was “everything that’s beautiful in this world”.

“I remember Kate as my flower girl,” she told reporters the day after the tragedy.

The couple were killed in Alexandra Hills while walking their dogs.

“That was my nicest memory of Kate.”

A 17-year-old boy has been charged with murder over the fatal incident.

It’s alleged the teen stole a 4WD and crashed it into a truck, which then rolled and hit the couple as they crossed Finucane Road in Alexandra Hills.

Police claim the Waterford West boy left the scene, but he was later arrested.

He remains in custody.