GoFundMe for Lauren Flanigan raises $11k after daughter’s murder

A controversial campaign to help fund a funeral for Lauren Flanigan who died in jail after stabbing her three-year-old daughter to death and a public campaign on “systemic failures” has raised thousands.

Lauren Flanigan, remembered by her family as a devoted mother and loved community member despite killing her child.

A controversial campaign launched to honour Lauren Ingrid Flanigan, the mother accused of stabbing her three-year-old daughter Sophia to death, has raised more than $11,500 in just days, sparking outrage, heartbreak and renewed demands for mental health reform in Queensland.

Flanigan, 32, was charged with murder of her three-year-old daughter Sophia after stabbing her on the family home’s front lawn at Moore Park Beach in May.

Just weeks later, Flanigan herself was found dead in custody while being held on remand in Brisbane Women’s Correctional Centre. Her death is now under official investigation.

Among the more than 150 donations, one of the largest came from prominent prison reform advocate Debbie Kilroy OAM, who contributed $2000 on behalf of her organisation, Sisters Inside.

Kilroy — a well-known human rights activist and founder of the Queensland-based group — has long campaigned for the rights of women and girls in the criminal legal system.

Despite the gravity of the allegations, Flanigan’s family is asking the public for $50,000 to fund what they describe as a “dignified farewell” and to pursue systemic change, insisting she was a devoted mother battling an untreated psychiatric crisis.

“Lauren’s death in the custody of Queensland Corrective Services has left our family devastated and our community shaken with many unanswered questions about the systems that failed to help a beautiful mother, battling severe mental illness,” the fundraiser organiser, Stephen Grady said.

Lauren Ingrid Flanigan, 32, died in hospital after she was found unresponsive on the floor of her high-risk cell.
Photo: Instagram.

Mr Grady described Lauren as a “radiant woman” and a “devoted and responsible mother, sister, daughter, aunty, cousin, niece and friend who carried immense love and light despite the darkness and complex disorders she was fighting.”

“This fundraiser is about honouring Lauren’s life and advocating for real systemic changes and ensuring that Lauren is not just remembered for how she died, but for the incredible light and love she brought into this world.”

He said the funds would also be used to “raise awareness that access to quality mental health care should be a basic human right, sound the alarm on long wait times for assessment and treatment, support legal avenues to pursue accountability for Lauren’s preventable death, organise a dignified farewell and help her family grieve, gather and access support services.

The campaign describes her death as “a grim reminder of the crisis in Mental Health care in Queensland,” noting the severe shortage of mental health beds in the public system.

“It costs around $90,000 a year to keep someone in jail, yet around $365,000 a year to maintain a mental health bed.

“But what is the real price?”

“The cost of not investing in mental health should not just be about saving money or hospital admissions, but about saving human lives and families, and building a smarter, stronger, and more compassionate country.”

It also points to national statistics showing one child was killed by a parent or step-parent every two weeks in Australia.

“This is catastrophic and preventable and demands immediate action and understanding, and not silence, ignorance or blame.”

Jai Ruane, Sophia’s dad believes her death could have been prevented.

Lauren’s family member, Leisha Zonta has also shared a public statement, calling the situation “beyond words” and urging people to advocate for better care.

“This doesn’t feel like something that happens to people we know. But it did. And it does,” she said.

“If you can’t donate, then please, advocate. We can stand alongside those facing mental health challenges and systemic barriers; not just with words, but with action.”

Zonta called for timely, compassionate care, education around mental illness, and the end of stigma.

“Most importantly, we can keep our hearts and minds open in the face of tragedy. Pause. Offer compassion. Extend empathy.”

“This is about Lauren. It’s about beautiful Sophia. It’s about Lauren’s precious babies, who now carry the weight of her absence and deserve every opportunity to heal and thrive.”

The post received several heartfelt replies from those close to Lauren and Sophia.

“My heart shattered with the news,” wrote Amaya Lucas.

“Thinking of everyone, please let me know if I can help or even come and have a chat. Rest easy Lauren and Sophia.”

“Absolutely devastating. This happens all too often,” commented Abbie James.
“I see people all the time who should not be in prison, they should be in a hospital.”

“Beautifully said Leishy,” added Debbie Walters. “Love and support to all touched by these devastating losses.”
Belinda Turner described the situation as “absolutely gut wrenching,” adding, “I knew when I read this there would be so much more to Lauren’s and Sophia’s story.”

Lauren Flanigan is being remembered by her family as a devoted mother and loved community member, even after she killed her own child. Photo: Instagram.

Sophia’s father, Jai Ruane, has also spoken out, expressing deep anguish and criticising the child protection systems that he believes failed his daughter.
He said that there were previous red flags, including erratic behaviour by Flanigan and failed legal efforts to secure the children’s safety.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has acknowledged Lauren’s death as a sign the system needs urgent reform, saying he will not “brush it under the carpet.”
The GoFundMe is still active, with organisers calling on the community to honour Lauren’s memory with both donations and advocacy.

“Let us stand together in love, light and truth for Lauren, so that her life will never be forgotten and that real changes can come from her story and prevent further deaths.”

Originally published as GoFundMe for Lauren Flanigan raises $11k after daughter’s murder