Steven Dean Michael Walker-Ely is charged with murdering Birdsall Fa’apepele

The long-term girlfriend of a slain Mackay football player has spoken out about her “horrific” loss as she and others prepare a touching tribute on the first anniversary of his death.

Mackay Magpies player Birdsall Fa'apepele and his girlfriend of four years Kailey Prouse. Mr Fa'apepele was killed on December 14, 2021 near a Paget caravan park.

The long-term girlfriend of a Mackay football player killed in an alleged stabbing murder has spoken out about her “horrific” loss, as she and others prepare to walk his final steps on the 12-month anniversary of his death.

Kailey Prouse recalled the life destroying moment she learned Birdsall Fa’apepele had been killed.

The 25-year-old was at work when she learned there was a stabbing at the caravan park.

“All that morning he wasn’t responding to me,” she said.

“I messaged him and I called him and there was no response and I instantly went into panic (mode).

Mackay Magpies player Birdsall Fa'apepele and his girlfriend of four years Kailey Prouse. Mr Fa'apepele was killed near a Paget caravan park.

Ms Prouse described rushing home and desperately hoping she was wrong.

“I opened my front door and there was a note that said please call the detective … my legs collapsed on me,” she said.

Tonight she and other loved ones of the late Magpies football club player will tonight walk the final steps where the popular 25-year-old met his tragic and violent death near a Paget caravan park.

Mr Fa'apepele was killed on December 14, 2021.

“He was the most humble man you would ever meet,” Kailey Prouse said of her boyfriend of four years.

“He came from such a beautiful family and he treated my family as his own.

“I will not stop fighting for Birdsall.”

A group of his supporters including Kailey and her parents wore matching shirts honouring the popular football player in Mackay Magistrates Court for the latest mention for the man accused of his murder, which also coincided with the tragic anniversary.

Birdsall Fa'apepele's Mackay family. Back: Les Brazier, Shara Masters, Sherron Knight and Liam Masters. Front: Kailey Prouse, Ben Prouse and Lenore Prouse. Picture: Janessa Ekert

Steven Dean Michael Walker-Ely is charged with murdering Mr Fa’apepele on December 14, 2021 at The Park, off Farrellys and Broadsound Rd.

It is alleged Mr Walker-Ely, 33, stabbed him in the neck, face and abdomen.

Mr Fa’apepele’s body was found in a vacant lot off the Bruce Highway about 3am, about 700m from the caravan park.

Steven Dean Michael Walker-Ely was charged with allegedly murdering Birdsall Fa’apepele in Paget on Tuesday, December 14, 2021. Picture: Facebook

Mr Walker-Ely was remained in custody until he was granted supreme court bail in March 2022, on the conditions a $300,000 surety was paid, he wore a tracker and lived in New South Wales.

Ms Prouse’s father Ben said it was important for the group to “show support for Birdsall’s case”.

“Birdsall was taken away from us tragically 12 months ago today and we’re his voice in Mackay, we’re his (Mackay) family,” he said.

Birdsall Fa'apepele's Mackay family. His long-term girlfriend Kailey Prouse (middle) with her parents, Ben and Lenore Prouse. Picture: Janessa Ekert

Mr Prouse described the past year as “stressful, frustrating” and “absolutely horrific” as the murder case continued to drag on within the courts.

“The not knowing, the not being told much (is difficult),” he said.

“We’re all here to support Kailey.”

A walk is being held in honour of Mackay Magpies player Birdsall Fa'apepele who was killed on December 14, 2021 near a Paget caravan park.

The case will be mentioned again in May 2022 when it is listed for a committal hearing and witnesses will be questioned.

The group would be among what was expected to be a 100-strong turnout on Wednesday night of supporters who would take Mr Fa’apepele’s finals steps.

“To reflect on the good things,” Mr Prouse said.

Mr Prouse said there was a memorial in place near the site “that we look after” and where Mr Fa’apepele’s Mackay family met on the 14th of every month to honour him.

Ms Prouse and her parents will also fly to New Zealand on Thursday to be with Mr Fa’apepele’s family for the unveiling of a tombstone in his honour in Auckland.

Originally published as Steven Dean Michael Walker-Ely is charged with murdering Birdsall Fa’apepele