Devastating details from brothers’ funeral

Hundreds gathered for the funeral of Ben and Russell Smith. Picture: Supplied.
Hundreds gathered for the funeral of Ben and Russell Smith. Picture: Supplied.

The father of Ben and Russell Smith, who were fatally stabbed inside their Blue Mountains home, delivered a heartbreaking eulogy for his sons, pledging to “never stop loving (them)”.

At least 750 loved ones gathered to pay tribute to the two young boys, aged just 9 and 11, who were found dead in their Faulconbridge family home on Tuesday September 10.

It will be alleged the boys’ father found the bodies, with emergency services called to the Chapman Parade home around midday following reports of a concern for welfare for a woman and two children.

The boys’ 42-year-old mother, Trish Smith, was found with multiple stab wounds and has since been charged with the alleged murder of her two sons.

According to court documents, police allege both boys were murdered sometime between 7.30pm on September 9 and 12.30pm on September 10.

Brothers Russell and Ben Smith
Brothers Russell and Ben Smith were fatally stabbed in their Blue Mountains home.
FAULCONBRIDGE FUNERAL
Mourners gathered outside the funeral of Ben and Russell Smith at St Thomas Aquinas, Springwood. Picture: NewsWire / John Appleyard

Ms Smith did not make an application for bail when she appeared before the Parramatta Bail Court on September 14 where she was represented by solicitor Paul McGirr.

NSW Police confirmed a funeral service will be held at St Thomas Aquinas in Springwood on Wednesday from 11am.

It’s understood the church was overflowing, with about 700 people inside and about 50 people standing outside the church.

Mourners embraced outside the church, with father Nick Smith delivering a heartbreaking eulogy for his two sons, who were the “biggest pleasures and joys of (their loved ones’) lives”.

“Boys, it’s been an absolute, absolute privilege to be your father. I hold you so deeply in my heart,” Mr Smith said.

“You are loved by your family, through your friends, through the community through the school, through your soccer club, through the Panthers, throughout society.

“You will be so missed. You had such beautiful little lives, such beautiful, beautiful adventures.”

FAULCONBRIDGE FUNERAL
Ben and Russell were aged 9 and 11. Picture: NewsWire / John Appleyard
FAULCONBRIDGE FUNERAL
Mourners formed love hearts with their hands as the hearse drove past. Picture: NewsWire / John Appleyard

Mr Smith said he would make sure his sons are “never forgotten”.

“You were such wonderful, cheeky, funny, charismatic boys,” he said.

“You made the world a better place.

“You’re my world. You’re my little Ben, my Russ, you’re my best crew.

“I’m gonna miss you two so much. Your memories are your legacy.

“I love you so much. I will never stop loving you. No one else will either.”

The boys’ family requested media not enter the service or approach mourners.

FAULCONBRIDGE FUNERAL
The church was overflowing with mourners on Wednesday. Picture: NewsWire / John Appleyard
FAULCONBRIDGE FUNERAL
The funeral began at 11am Wednesday. Picture: NewsWire / John Appleyard

Mr Smith, who it’s understood wasn’t living at the home when he allegedly found the boys, earlier said the loss of his sons has caused “unimaginable pain and distress” in a statement.

“Russell and Ben were happy, funny, outgoing boys, and were very much loved by their family and friends,” the statement read.

“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,” he said.

“We also ask the media respects our need for privacy at this time and give us the time and space we need to grieve.”

Father Nick Smith (left) allegedly discovered the bodies, with mother Trish Smith (right) charged with the alleged murder of Russell and Ben.
Father Nick Smith (left) allegedly discovered the bodies, with mother Trish Smith (right) charged with the alleged murder of Russell and Ben.
FAULCONBRIDGE STABBING FOLLOW
Tributes were placed outside the home following the fatal stabbing. Picture: NewsWire / Monique Harmer

Solicitor McGirr said the incident was an “absolute tragedy” while speaking outside court on September 14.

“There’s a lot of people hurting,” Mr McGirr said.

“At this stage I can’t say anything more in relation to what’s going to happen with the matter until we get all the material.

“There’s a lot of family members who are really hurting in respect of this – parents, grandparents and the like. We’d ask that you respect that privacy.”

Ms Smith is set to front court on November 8.

Don't go it alone. Please reach out for help.

Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au

Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au

Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au

Headspace: 1800 650 890 or headspace.org.au

13YARN: Speak to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis supporter on 13 92 76 or visit 13yarn.org.au

Are you anxious? Take the Beyond Blue quiz to see how you’re tracking and whether you could benefit from support