Faulconbridge deaths: Ben and Russell Smith farewelled during heartbreaking funeral in Blue Mountains
WARNING: DISTURBING CONTENT
Hundreds of mourners have gathered to farewell two brothers, Ben and Russell Smith, on a day that will be etched forever in the minds of the Blue Mountains community still grieving after their deaths.
The two boys, Ben 9 and Russell 11, were found by their father Nick Smith after allegedly being murdered by their mother Trish Smith, 42, at her Faulconbridge home on Tuesday, September 10.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.As the large group descended on St Thomas Aquinas Church in Springwood, the boys’ devastated father gathered his thoughts in front of two coffins as he prepared to deliver a heartbreaking eulogy.
The assembled crowd, estimated at over 700 comprised family, friends and friends from the Our Lady of Nativity school where the brothers were popular classmates.
Heartbroken grandfather of the two boys, Geoff Densmore, was reportedly inconsolable at the service after previously speaking out about the total devastation he and the families were feeling as they prepared to bury his two young grandchildren.
Mr Densmore is also trying to support his daughter, Ms Smith, who has been charged over the alleged murder of her two children, found stabbed to death in their beds.
The Daily Telegraph is reporting that Ms Smith is: “Aware the funeral is today and she is suffering”.
Mr Smith, the father of Ben and Russell said in the days following the boys’ deaths that he was in “unimaginable pain” after discovering his two sons on the fateful day.
“The loss of our two beautiful boys has caused unimaginable pain and distress,” Mr Smith said in a statement on behalf of himself and his family.
“Russell and Ben were happy, funny, outgoing boys, and were very much loved by their family and friends.
“Like other boys their age, they loved sports, soccer, the Penrith Panthers, fishing, books, music, spending time with their friends and Max their pup.
“We cannot understand how our boys have been taken this way and we appreciate the kindness and compassion shown by the community.”
Ms Smith was found at the crime scene with self-inflected injuries.
She was taken to hospital under police guard until officers could interview her, eventually charging her with the alleged murder of the two boys.
Ms Smith did not make a bail application when she appeared before the Parramatta Bail Court on September 14 where she was represented by solicitor Paul McGirr.
Ms Smith is set to front court on November 8.
Lifeline: 13 11 14.
If you or someone you know needs help, phone the SANE Australia Helpline on 1800 18 SANE (7263).
Young people seeking support can phone beyondblue on 1300 22 4636 or go to headspace.org.au.
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