Hundreds of people gathered to say goodbye to Hannah McGuire at an emotional funeral service, including AFL stars and her jailed brother who was granted release to attend.
Ms McGuire’s body was discovered in a burnt out car near State Forest Rd, near Scarsdale, southwest of Ballarat in Victoria, on April 5. Lachlan Young, 21, has been charged with the alleged murder of his ex-partner.
Essendon captain Zack Merrett and teammate Jake Stringer were among mourners who emerged from a Ballarat funeral home on Monday to pay their last respects to the 23-year-old teaching assistant.
Merrett and Stringer are said to be good friends of Ms McGuire’s parents, who own a pub in the town of Clunes.
Prison guards were seen escorting Hannah McGuire’s brother, Fletcher McGuire, in the chapel before taking him back to prison after the service.
McGuire was sentenced to four years and five months for car theft, just days after his sister’s alleged murder.
Police discovered the remains of Hannah McGuire, 23, in a burnt-out car near State Forest Rd, near Scarsdale, southwest of Ballarat in Victoria, just before 10am on Friday.
Essendon champion Jake Stringer (right) was among hundreds of mourners to bid farewell to Hannah McGuire on Monday.
Western Bulldogs skipper Zach Merrett is pictured
Hannah McGuire’s brother Jude McGuire is pictured (left)
His father was seen consoling him and his other son Jude as the hearse headed towards the cemetery.
In the saddest scenes, Mr McGuire could not bring himself to let his daughter go and walked alone behind the hearse as it drove away.
The beloved teacher’s aide’s students paid tribute to her in a touching video played during the ceremony.
Some students were seen outside the chapel with their devastated parents.
One by one, children from Delacombe Primary School looked into the camera and bravely spoke out about how much Mrs McGuire meant to them.
“Hannah was not just a teacher, she was a friend and we will miss her,” one child said.
“She gave me hugs. I loved him so much. She hhelped us when we needed her,” said another.
One by one, they talked about a woman who cared about them and did everything in their power to make them feel good about themselves.
“She always made me smile and it was a joy to see her every day,” one student said.
“She was always happy and had a smile on her face…I wish she could come back, but she can’t come back.”
A prison guard prepares to escort Fletcher McGuire into the ward
Farewell to mourners Hannah McGuire at end of service
Mourners were forced to stand outside the chapel to listen to the service.
Tears flowed for Hannah McGuire at her funeral in Ballarat on Monday
Leading the service, celebrant Jenny Funston made it clear that Mrs McGuire’s life had made a difference to many.
“She died before her time, far too early and far too young,” she told mourners.
“Hannah mattered. »
Mourners heard how important Mrs McGuire was to her family, with her mother Debbie describing her impact on everyone who knew her.
“She touched our lives… her mThe emotion is etched in our souls,” said the heartbroken mother.
“His presence made everything feel right.”
Ms. McGuire’s friend, Nicole van Berkel, shared touching stories about her friend’s upbringing.
Friends and family of Hannah McGuire attended her funeral by the hundreds
Friends and family of Hannah McGuire at the Monday service
Young mourners gathered at Hannah McGuire’s funeral
They told a story of kindness, determination and compassion towards all who were in his company.
But Ms. McGuire was also a fierce competitor.
“She would never back down,” her friend said.
Like Ms. Funston before her, Ms. van Berkel made it clear that her friend’s life had made a difference.
“She would want us to find joy even in this sorrow,” she said.
“Never forget that you mattered. »
Autumn leaves fell from the trees as mourners watched a photo montage of Ms. McGuire’s short life.
It remains unclear how or why Young allegedly murdered his former partner.
Sporting a mullet haircut, the 21-year-old broke down in court as the distraught mother of his alleged victim cried in her seat outside the courtroom following his arrest earlier this month.
The court heard Young will be held behind bars until his next appearance in September.
Hannah McGuire (left) bought a house with her alleged killer just a year before he murdered her.
Sporting a mullet haircut, Young broke down in court as a woman believed to be the mother of his alleged victim cried in her seat at the front of the courtroom.
Images of Young on social media indicate that he benefited from a good education and remained close to his parents.
Mrs. McGuire had bwas expected to live with her ex-boyfriend just a year before he murdered her.
In the photo, smiling from ear to ear, the 23-year-old posed next to a large ‘sold’ sign alongside her then partner outside the home in Sebastopol, near Ballarat, in the of Victoria.
The happy snapshot was taken almost a year to the day before Young appeared in court to face charges over Ms McGuire’s murder.
Ms McGuire’s body was found off State Forest Road, near Scarsdale, southwest of Ballarat in Victoria, just before 1am on Friday.
His death was initially ruled a suicide after his body was found in a burned-out car.
But the coroner’s report indicates that she would have been fatally injured before the vehicle was engulfed in flames.
Ms McGuire had lived with Young until a week before her alleged murder.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call 1800 RESPECT or the Crisis Care helpline on 1800 199 008.
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