Former Chinchilla resident and footy player, Declan Laverty honoured by close friends in tribute

The victim of a fatal stabbing that has shocked the country has been remembered by family and friends from Chinchilla as having a ’beautiful nature’ and being a son and brother who adored his family.

Declan Laverty was fatally stabbed while working at The Darwin Tavern's attached BWS bottle shop on Sunday night.

People in the Chinchilla region are grappling with the loss of a former resident, student and young man who shone on the AFL footy fields, after he was the victim of a stabbing that tragically took his life on Sunday evening.

Just before 9pm 20-year-old Declan Laverty was stabbed multiple times towards the end of his shift at a Darwin bottle shop, and sadly died at the scene.

Family friends from the Western Downs region who knew the young man who spent his teenage years in Chinchilla attending the public school and playing for the Chinchilla Suns AFL team are remembering him as having a loveable character, and being close with his family.

Chinchilla resident and long-time family friend of Declan and his mother Samara Laverty, who wished to remain anonymous described the young man as a “real loveable young fella”.

The family friend said she met the Laverty’s when she moved to the region in 2014 and became close with Ms Laverty who worked as a paramedic in town.

“He had a beautiful nature and loved his mum and sister,” they said.

“He was also footy mad and quite the player from what I understand.”

Talented AFL player, Declan Laverty is presented a cheque for $500 by Local Ambulance Committee president, Anthony Keating. Pictured with his mum and Chinchilla Ambulance Services officer, Samara Laverty.

Declan was a teenager when he left Chinchilla for Cairns and would eventually make the move to Darwin.

It was reported that after Declan was stabbed, his mother received a text message that no parent could ever imagine receiving.

“I love you mum, I’ve been stabbed.”

Those were the last words that Declan said to his mother, who has remembered her son as a smart, funny and loving young man.

“He loved me, his sister, his animals, especially his dog Castiel and cat Cookie,” Ms Laverty said.

Another close family friend of the Laverty’s who helped take care of Declan and his sister Bridget while Ms Laverty worked long hours as a paramedic was Vicky Hansen who described the Laverty family as “beautiful” and “one in a million”.

Declan Laverty, 20, was allegedly stabbed to death at The Airport Tavern in Darwin about 9pm Sunday, March 19, 2023. Police are investigating a string of other incidents leading up to his death at the Jingili tavern. Picture: Facebook

“This family did not deserve this,” she said.

“(Sam) has helped so many in her years on earth, including myself.

“Declan is a loveable kid with a big heart just like his mamma bear.”

The woman who has moved away from Chinchilla in the past few years said the world needed more people like Sam, Declan and his sister Bridget in it.

“He was a beautiful and well mannered kid,” she said.

“All I know is that this never should have happened to someone so lovely.”

Earlier today it was reported that a 19-year-old man faced court after he was charged with murder, aggravated robbery and breach of bail, as police alleged the man stabbed Declan multiple times before he fled the scene with a group of friends.

Originally published as Former Chinchilla resident and footy player, Declan Laverty honoured by close friends in tribute