Hundreds gather at candlelight vigil for Sophia Rose

The daycare teacher of a three-year-old killed in Queensland has shared a heart-wrenching poem at a candlelight vigil in the little girl’s honour.

A small Queensland community has come out in droves to remember the life of a young girl who was tragically killed last week.

Hundreds of community members from Moore Park Beach dressed in pink and sparkles to honour Sophia Rose, who was killed on Monday outside her family home.

Her mother Lauren Flanigan was charged with her murder, but has since passed away.

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

People gather to remember Sophia Rose. Photo: Paul Beutel

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.”

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.

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

Another educator, Miss Emmy, read a poem that celebrated Sophia.

“She danced in pink with sparkly wings, and filled our hearts with joyful things,” she read.

“With every crayon, every step and spin, she let the light and laughter in.

“Though she’s now beyond our view, her magic stays in all we do.

“A little fairy flying high, she paints the stars across the sky.”

People gather to remember Sophia Rose. Photo: Paul Beutel

The three-year-old is remembered as loving deeply, and loving her role as a big sister to her two younger siblings, Royce and Eva.

She was a “big sister in the truest, most beautiful sense”, Ms Burrage said.

On the night of the tragic incident, Sophia’s two younger siblings were taken into the care of two educators at Kids and Co, while their father Jai Ruane made his return to Bundaberg.

People gather to remember Sophia Rose. Photo: Paul Beutel

At the end of the vigil, guests, which included friends from Sophia’s daycare, were invited to dance to her favourite song, Barbie Girl by Aqua.

Trish Mears and Derek Alcorn, the organisers of the vigil, said they wanted to help start the community’s healing process.

Ms Mears said they had also discussed plans to honour Sophia’s memory at the Moore Park Beach Arts Festival in August.

Support services are being organised for residents affected by the tragedy.

Lauren Ingrid Flanigan

Sophia’s mother was found unresponsive in her cell on Friday night and died in hospital.

‘Our Hearts are aching’

The events of last Monday sent shockwaves around Bundaberg, with the pastor of the church the family regularly attended offering support to his constituents and anyone affected during a service on Sunday morning.

Adam Ryan, along with his wife Joey, are the pastors of Alive Church Bundaberg, who say their congregation experienced a “tragic loss”.

“Alongside a shaken community, our hearts are aching,” he said.

Adam Ryan at Alive Church, Bundaberg, May 27. Picture: Liam Kidston

“There is a world that is lost and asking questions.

“We are going to lift up the family and loved ones of Sophia and Lauren this morning.”

Mr Ryan urged his followers and the community to reach out to qualified mental health professionals if they were facing challenges.

“We are available to anybody in the church or community that needs support during this time.

“We will continue to be alive, to love, and to serve our city.”

Originally published as Hundreds gather at candlelight vigil for Sophia Rose