Mum’s heartbreaking message to slain teen

Shyanne-Lee Tatnell was found dead near a walking track in the state’s northeast last month after she disappeared from Launceston in April.

Tasmania police have since arrested Scottsdale man Christopher Mark Jordan, 36, who was charged with the 14-year-old’s alleged murder.

Hundreds of people packed into the Chapel of Parkside Funerals in Burnie on Saturday, with almost a 1000 people watching via an online livestream.

The service began with the lighting of candles which honoured Ms Tatnell and the grief felt by her family and the close-knit Tasmanian community.

Mourners were told the funeral was a “harsher moment” than expected, given that many questions surrounding Ms Tatnell’s death remained unanswered.

Ms Tatnell’s mother, Bobbi-Lee Ketchell, said she would “smile if she had to” in a heartfelt message read out at the funeral.

“To no longer see your face breaks me every day,” she said.

“You were taken so suddenly, I didn‘t get to tell you just how much I love you and that you were my life.

“I will never be complete again. I will never be free from the grief.

“It is a solid stone inside of me. I wear a mask of coping, but I am in complete despair.

“I cannot mend what is broken my heart is beyond repair.

“I’ll smile if I have to. But again, it’s just a mask, and I’ll say I’m okay but I cannot be happy.”

Ms Ketchell told the packed service her daughter had “touched so many hearts”, and continued to shine bright after her death.

“You’ll always be remembered and spoken about – always. Your positive vibes, your sassy ways,” she said.

“All our treasured memories I will have close to my heart forever.”

Ms Tatnell’s father Nathan described the young teen as his “little puddin’”.

“In a message said he was proud to have seen her grow into a “young lady”.

“You always made me so proud – apart from stealing Nan’s car,” he said.

“I have to say I was a little impressed how far you made it at only 14.

“I’ve done a lot of laughing telling people what you did.

“The pain I feel now is tearing me apart, knowing I’ll no longer be able to watch you grow up.

“You were taken away too early.

“You will always be Dad’s puddin’ bear.

“See you soon.”

Ms Tatnell’s father described one of the last times the pair spoke, with the young teen explaining her excitement about returning to school and making friends.

Born in August 2008, Mr Tatnell was described as a “chubby bubby” who brought love and light into her family, and delighted being the centre of attention.

A person close to the family described difficulties the headstrong teenager faced after entering high school, before she relocated to Launceston in recent times.

“Shyanne became strong willed and rebellious, bucking against boundaries put in place for her and ultimately deciding she could do whatever she wanted,” they said.

“The lessons that Shyanne leaves for us all how to do everything in your power to keep your children safe, to listen with open ears and open hearts and to never stop loving.”

Ms Tatnell’s extended family described her as a “determined” and head strong person who left a lasting impact on many of her family and friends, despite personal challenges.

A neighbour of the family, Gina, described Ms Tatnell as her “sweet little neighbour”, and reminisced watching her “grow up laughing and just having fun”.

“Even when you moved away you would never hesitate to stop and say hello with your beautiful smile. That will always stay with me,” Gina told the service.

Ms Tatnell’s stepsister, Lakeisha, said she didn’t how to describe how she felt after he “one and only sister” had died tragically.

“There was so many different emotions, and in the end it became total overload and too much for me to handle,” she said.

“You were my little sister, my baby girl, the one person I used to cause arguments with.

“ (were would) then sit there and laugh with each other because the argument was funny, and was gone.”

Ms Tatnell’s family encouraged mourners to bring written messages to be placed with the teenager during a funeral service.

Ms Ketchell, who was active on social media during the frantic search, broke her silence last month in a tribute posted to Facebook.

“Heaven has now gained two of my beautiful children. Their wings were ready but my heart was not,” Ms Ketchell said.

“My baby girl, I will stay strong and continue to be your voice – protecting you was something I couldn’t do or save you.

“I am blessed I was your mum and you are coming home to me, just not the way I hoped.”

A GoFundMe account set up earlier this month has so far raised $2300 to help Ms Ketchell.

Organiser Joanne Nicholls said Ms Ketchell did not want flowers or gifts.

“(This is) a chance for members of the public to show their support,” Ms Nicholls said.

“Instead of flowers or gifts, please donate here. All donations go directly to the family’s needs.”

More than 180 emergency service personnel including Tasmanian police were involved in the search.

Police last week formally identified Ms Tatnell’s remains through DNA testing.

The teenager’s disappearance, and subsequent death, sent shockwaves through the tight-knit communities in rural Tasmania.

The Mercury reported seeing flowers, teddy bears, and heartfelt messages placed on Henry St bridge in Launceston.

Mr Jordan has been remanded into custody where he will remain ahead of his next court appearance on August 16.

No pleas have been entered.

Originally published as Mother’s grief for slain teen Shyanne-Lee Tatnell