Faulconbridge deaths: Father Nick Smith in ‘unimaginable pain’ after discovering sons Russell and Ben dead

WARNING: CONFRONTING CONTENT

The father who discovered his two sons dead in a Blue Mountains home on Tuesday has spoken out, revealing he is in “unimaginable pain and distress”.

Nick Smith, the father of Russell, 9, and Ben, 11, found his two children in bed, dead with multiple stab wounds to their bodies.

Mr Smith called triple-0 around 1pm after making the devastating discovery at the home of Trish Smith, the boys’ mother and his ex-wife, in Faulconbridge, NSW.

“The loss of our two beautiful boys has caused unimaginable pain and distress,” Mr Smith said in a statement on behalf of himself and 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.”

Mr Smith asked for the family’s privacy to be respected as they take time and space to grieve their unimaginable loss.

Ms Smith was taken to Westmead Hospital under police guard where her self-inflicted injuries and her mental state were assessed.

A major homicide investigation is underway and charges are yet to be laid.

The Daily Telegraph reported on Thursday that NSW Police were investigating if the two boys had been drugged before being stabbed.

Police have confirmed the two boys went to school as normal on Monday. It is not yet known if those stab wounds were inflicted on Monday or Tuesday.

Ms Smith ran a business named Farmsmith from her front yard. It is understood that she started the venture, which focused on learning how to farm after she lost her job during the pandemic.

On the Facebook page for her business, she often shared images of her young children.

In a blog post speaking about her business, Ms Smith made comments about her mental health back in 2021.

“Psychological skills are great when things are going well, and essential during a crisis,” she wrote.

“I feel really grateful that I have access to education and support to understand my mental health better, and it’s been empowering in the chaos that has been the last year, to be able to stop, bring awareness to my experience and then take steps to ensure I look after myself.”

The local community has been left heartbroken by the disturbing incident.

Families have been seen visiting the Chapman Parade home, laying flowers, leaving cards and crying over the tragic loss of two young boys who had their whole life ahead of them.

“Rest in peace angels, fly high in heaven,” was written on toy cars left at the scene, a touching tribute sitting next to police tape that surrounds the property.

The brothers attended Our Lady of Nativity, a catholic school in Lawson.

The Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese on Wednesday shared a statement with the grieving community.

“Our Catholic schools community is devastated by the tragic deaths of Ben and Russell, two students of Our Lady of the Nativity Primary School in Lawson,” the statement said.

“Counselling and wellbeing support is available to students and staff at Our Lady of the Nativity today and will continue to be provided in the coming weeks.

“The care and kindness of the broader Blue Mountains community at this difficult time is much appreciated.

“With police investigations continuing, we are unable to comment any further at this time.”

Mayor Mark Greenhill said: “Our whole community is hurting.”

“The pain is palpable.

“Two beautiful little souls are lost to us in the most devastating of circumstances.

“I know their extended family will be embraced by all.

Anyone with information that may help police in their investigations is urged to come forward.

Lifeline: 13 11 14.

Young people seeking support can phone beyondblue on 1300 22 4636 or go to headspace.org.au.

Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000