Latest news with #AliveChurch
West Australian
3 days ago
- West Australian
Fundraiser launched for Sophia Rose's family after 3yo allegedly killed by mum
A fundraiser has been launched for the devastated family of Sophia Rose, with the little girl remembered for her 'big eyes' and 'infectious laugh' in the aftermath of Monday's nightmare. The GoFundMe , launched by family friend Connor Thompson, has raised nearly $10,000 from a $15,000 target, with a yellow rose posted to the appeal as a tribute to the toddler's life. 'Sophia Rose was a sweet little girl with big eyes and an infectious laugh that could light up the room,' the appeal reads. 'Her smile was like a ray of sunshine and her heart was as pure of gold. Sophia always wanted to help and was the best big sister to her baby brother and sister. 'Though her time here was short, the love she gave and the joy she shared will stay with us forever.' The appeal comes just days after Sophia Rose was allegedly murdered by her mother Lauren Ingrid Flanigan, 32. Police have charged Ms Flanigan with murder, alleging she stabbed Sophia Rose multiple times at their Moore Park Beach home north of Bundaberg, about 365km north of Brisbane, on Monday afternoon. Ms Flanigan, a member of the Alive Church in Bundaberg, remains in custody. 'In the wake of an unimaginable tragedy, a grieving father and little boy and girl is left to cope with the devastating loss of their beloved daughter and sister,' the appeal reads. 'Her life was taken far too soon, leaving behind a family and community shattered by sorrow. In this incredibly difficult time, we are reaching out to ask for your support. 'Your donations will help this father navigate the overwhelming financial burden of funeral expenses, legal fees, a place to call home and the emotional toll of this tragedy. 'No amount is too small – every contribution provides a small light during this dark time, allowing him to focus on healing and honouring the memory of his precious daughter.' Burnett MP Stephen Bennett, in a post to social media on Thursday, said the event had rocked the small Bundaberg community. 'My thoughts and prayers are with the friends and families involved in the several tragic incidents across the region over the last days and weeks,' he said. 'These shocking events rock our small communities, but your support for each other is what will get us through and eventually help us heal. 'If you or anyone you know needs help, please reach out to Lifeline, Kids Helpline Official, 13 Yarn, Beyond Blue.'
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Perth Now
Heartbreaking appeal for Sophia Rose
A fundraiser has been launched for the devastated family of Sophia Rose, with the little girl remembered for her 'big eyes' and 'infectious laugh' in the aftermath of Monday's nightmare. The GoFundMe, launched by family friend Connor Thompson, has raised nearly $10,000 from a $15,000 target, with a yellow rose posted to the appeal as a tribute to the toddler's life. 'Sophia Rose was a sweet little girl with big eyes and an infectious laugh that could light up the room,' the appeal reads. 'Her smile was like a ray of sunshine and her heart was as pure of gold. Sophia always wanted to help and was the best big sister to her baby brother and sister. 'Though her time here was short, the love she gave and the joy she shared will stay with us forever.' The appeal comes just days after Sophia Rose was allegedly murdered by her mother Lauren Ingrid Flanigan, 32. Police have charged Ms Flanigan with murder, alleging she stabbed Sophia Rose multiple times at their Moore Park Beach home north of Bundaberg, about 365km north of Brisbane, on Monday afternoon. A fundraiser has been launched for Sophia Rose. Supplied Credit: News Corp Australia Ms Flanigan, a member of the Alive Church in Bundaberg, remains in custody. 'In the wake of an unimaginable tragedy, a grieving father and little boy and girl is left to cope with the devastating loss of their beloved daughter and sister,' the appeal reads. 'Her life was taken far too soon, leaving behind a family and community shattered by sorrow. In this incredibly difficult time, we are reaching out to ask for your support. 'Your donations will help this father navigate the overwhelming financial burden of funeral expenses, legal fees, a place to call home and the emotional toll of this tragedy. The fundraiser will help Sophia Rose's father Jai Ruane as he navigates the turmoil of the week. Supplied Credit: News Corp Australia 'No amount is too small – every contribution provides a small light during this dark time, allowing him to focus on healing and honouring the memory of his precious daughter.' Burnett MP Stephen Bennett, in a post to social media on Thursday, said the event had rocked the small Bundaberg community. 'My thoughts and prayers are with the friends and families involved in the several tragic incidents across the region over the last days and weeks,' he said. 'These shocking events rock our small communities, but your support for each other is what will get us through and eventually help us heal. 'If you or anyone you know needs help, please reach out to Lifeline, Kids Helpline Official, 13 Yarn, Beyond Blue.'
News.com.au
3 days ago
- General
- News.com.au
Fundraiser launched for Sophia Rose's family after 3yo allegedly killed by mum
A fundraiser has been launched for the devastated family of Sophia Rose, with the little girl remembered for her 'big eyes' and 'infectious laugh' in the aftermath of Monday's nightmare. The GoFundMe, launched by family friend Connor Thompson, has raised nearly $10,000 from a $15,000 target, with a yellow rose posted to the appeal as a tribute to the toddler's life. 'Sophia Rose was a sweet little girl with big eyes and an infectious laugh that could light up the room,' the appeal reads. 'Her smile was like a ray of sunshine and her heart was as pure of gold. Sophia always wanted to help and was the best big sister to her baby brother and sister. 'Though her time here was short, the love she gave and the joy she shared will stay with us forever.' The appeal comes just days after Sophia Rose was allegedly murdered by her mother Lauren Ingrid Flanigan, 32. Police have charged Ms Flanigan with murder, alleging she stabbed Sophia Rose multiple times at their Moore Park Beach home north of Bundaberg, about 365km north of Brisbane, on Monday afternoon. Ms Flanigan, a member of the Alive Church in Bundaberg, remains in custody. 'In the wake of an unimaginable tragedy, a grieving father and little boy and girl is left to cope with the devastating loss of their beloved daughter and sister,' the appeal reads. 'Her life was taken far too soon, leaving behind a family and community shattered by sorrow. In this incredibly difficult time, we are reaching out to ask for your support. 'Your donations will help this father navigate the overwhelming financial burden of funeral expenses, legal fees, a place to call home and the emotional toll of this tragedy. 'No amount is too small – every contribution provides a small light during this dark time, allowing him to focus on healing and honouring the memory of his precious daughter.' Burnett MP Stephen Bennett, in a post to social media on Thursday, said the event had rocked the small Bundaberg community. 'My thoughts and prayers are with the friends and families involved in the several tragic incidents across the region over the last days and weeks,' he said. 'These shocking events rock our small communities, but your support for each other is what will get us through and eventually help us heal. 'If you or anyone you know needs help, please reach out to Lifeline, Kids Helpline Official, 13 Yarn, Beyond Blue.'
ABC News
4 days ago
- General
- ABC News
Moore Park Beach community mourns tragic alleged murder of 'beautiful little girl' Sophia
Tributes are flowing for a Queensland toddler who was allegedly stabbed to death by her mother. Three-year-old Sophia Rose was described as a "beautiful little girl … always dressed in these beautiful dresses and bows in her hair" by her pastor, Joey Ryan. Sophia's mother Lauren Ingrid Flanigan, 32, has been charged with murder after the girl was found unresponsive at a home in Moore Park Beach, north of Bundaberg, just before 5pm on Monday. The tragedy has shocked the Bundaberg community with many grappling to come to terms with Sophia's death. A toy library near the girl's home has become a memorial where grieving locals are paying their respects to Sophia Rose. Hope Peters, herself a mother of a young child, laid a bouquet of flowers together with a pink teddy bear at the memorial as she struggled to process the overwhelming emotions. "I've got a three-year-old girl at home," she said. Ms Peters said families throughout Moore Park were "heartbroken". "We're all a community here and everyone is just feeling very emotional," she said. "We hope she gets the peace that she deserves." Lauren Flanigan is a member of Alive Church in Bundaberg and would regularly attend services with Sophia. Senior Pastor Joey Ryan said the church was "devastated at the loss of beautiful Sophia". "Sophia was such a beautiful little girl," she said. "[She] would attend our church with such happiness in her face as she arrived to see everybody. "She brought so much joy to this community. We love her and we'll dearly miss her." The church held a special service on Tuesday evening to support those grieving in the tight-knit community. "We had no plans or agenda … other than opening the doors, allowing people just to sit and grieve and process and pray and just come together," Ms Ryan said. Hairdresser Brinda Olive has lived at Moore Park since 2016, drawn by its unspoilt beaches and welcoming community. "I was very, very shocked. We haven't had anything like that before," Ms Olive said. "I just can't believe that happened. It's very sad." Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said his office had been flooded with calls from residents grieving and angered by the little girl's death. Mr Bennett encouraged residents of the Bundaberg region to reach out to support services. "Lifeline and other agencies are there for you … but our office can also be a point of contact to connect you with the important services that are out there." Ms Flanigan did not appear in Bundaberg Magistrates Court when her case was first mentioned on Tuesday. She did not apply for bail and remains in custody while a brief of evidence is prepared. Ms Flanigan's matter will return to court in July.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Mum's chilling words before allegedly killing her daughter in Bundaberg, Queeensland
A mother of three accused of murdering her three-year-old daughter had previously posted a series of messages about relgion, saying 'god is calling his army out of hiding'. Emergency services rushed to Moore Park Beach, on the outskirts of Bundaberg, central Queensland, at 4.45pm on Monday following 'multiple' reports from concerned neighbours. The three year old girl was found unresponsive with 'multiple wounds' at the Regency Road home and declared dead at the scene, police said. A bladed weapon was also allegedly found at the location, said Acting Superintendent Brad Inskip. Police arrested 32-year-old Lauren Ingrid Flanigan and on Tuesday charged her with murdering her daughter Sophia. Two other children, aged one and two, were also home at the time but unharmed. They are now in the care of others. A man who lived at the residence had been working away from the home when the incident unfolded. He returned home after being notified by police of the tragedy. A man's screams of horror were heard across the normally quiet beachside suburb, as more than 30 neighbours watched on, many of them in tears. A clearly distressed man was seen on his hands and knees in despair as other shocked neighbours comforted each other. It's understood Flanigan was a member of the Alive Church in Bundaberg and would often share posts about her faith to her social media accounts. 'Faith. Family. Future. Fitness. Built for wealth. Wired for freedom. Digital Systems. Elite Strategy. No Excuses,' her account profile reads. In many of her posts, Flanigan wrote about 'rising up' and remembering 'who you are' as she battled against 'the system'. 'You are a WARRIOR OF LIGHT. Train like it's war — because it is. God is calling His army out of hiding. This is kingdom rising,' Flanigan's most recent post read. 'We move. We build. We burn with holy fire. No more delays. No more compromise. Tag your generals. It's time to RISE.' In September last year, Flanigan shared pictures of Sophia in a pink princess dress to Instagram with the caption 'my divine babies'. In another post, the mother-of-two explained her life would be fulfilled by sharing time with her family and not by having a successful career. 'I realised the most valuable thing I could create was time,' Flanigan wrote. 'Time to watch my babies grow. Time to breathe. Time to live. Time to love. We weren't created to just work, pay bills, and survive the week. 'We were made to create memories together, lasting legacy, joy, freedom and smiles. 'I have given my life to serve. I have a beautiful little family who remind me of love daily. A community that uplifts me, a church that grounds me. 'Yes, there are challenges. Yes, there are areas that still need refining. But I wake up every day with breath in my lungs and fire in my spirit.' In 2021, Flanigan shared pictures of her growing baby bump while pregnant with daughter Sophia. Flanigan was not required to appear in person at Bundaberg Magistrates Court on Tuesday. Her legal representative made no application for bail and the case was adjourned to the Bundaberg court until July 21. Police are preparing a brief of evidence which will be presented to the court at a later date. Acting Supt Inskip told reporters on Tuesday that police responded to multiple Triple-0 calls from concerned neighbours on Monday evening. He explained police and paramedic tried desperately to administer first aid but the little girl died at the scene after suffering 'multiple' wounds to her body. 'It was a horrific scene,' Acting Supt Inskip said. 'It's a terrible, terrible incident for everybody including the witnesses and neighbours, the emergency services, police and ambulance who attended and the investigators who are doing the ongoing investigation. 'This is not something we ever want to attend and want our people to have to deal with.' Acting Supt Inskip declined to confirm if the family was known to police or childrens' services, adding that line of inquiry would form part of the investigation. He said Flanigan's mental health history would also be looked into. He confirmed Sophia was Flanigan's eldest child, while another two children - aged one and two - were inside the home when the incident unfolded. It is unclear whether the two children witnessed the attack. Acting Supt Inskip added the man who lived at the residence - but was away at work when the incident occurred - had now returned and was with the two children. 'He is back in town and he is with the children at the moment. No doubt absolutely devastated,' he said.
