Distraught and fighting back tears, the family of Luke Dorsett and Kate Goodchild who tragically lost their lives at Dreamworld, have spoken out for the first time – and vowed they will find the answers on what went wrong that fateful day.
Canberran brother and sister Kate and Luke, Luke’s partner Roozi Araghi and Sydney mum Cindy Low were brutally killed on the Thunder River Rapids ride at the popular Gold Coast amusement park on Tuesday.
On the shores of Lake Burley Griffin earlier today, a brave father stood before the media, and with dignity and grace, delivered one of the most heartfelt and heartbreaking statements on behalf of the Dorsett, Goodchild and Turner families, as Kate’s partner of fifteen years stood inconsolable by his side.
“I am Shayne Goodchild, Kate and Luke’s dad. Standing next to me is Kate’s partner, Dave Turner, who less than three days ago, lost the love of his life and the mother of their children in the most tragic of circumstances.
“Like everyone else in Australia, we want to know what went wrong,” Mr Goodchild said.
Kate died in her husband’s arms.
“We want to know why our loved ones were taken from us in such horrific circumstances. No-one wants those answers more than we do.”
The family paid tribute to the many Australians – both friends and complete strangers – who have reached out to the family – adding that while they have been devastated by this terrible and unimaginable tragedy, they have been overwhelmed by “the outpouring of love.”
“We know that there have been candlelight vigils and prayers of support from people all around the country, and we are grateful and touched by this support,” he said.
Kate and David have been life partners since going to high school together –and like so many young families worked hard to provide the best possible life for their two beautiful daughters Evie, eight months, and Ebony,12.
“Dave was standing next to the ride holding Evie when this tragic event happened, and Ebony was sitting next to her mum when they were thrown into the water,” Shayne Goodchild read as he choked back tears.
“In the next few days we have to bury our beautiful children, and for Dave, his amazing partner. Roozi’s family have to farewell their incredible and inspirational son and brother,” he said.
Shayne Goodchild wants answers over the tragic accident that has shattered his family.
“Dave not only has to deal with his own grief, but be strong for their beautiful daughters. Our darling Evie, is only eight months old, and far too young to be without her mum.
“We also all have to help two little girls start to come to terms with the fact that their mum is never coming home.”
“Only 24 hours earlier, my family was on the beach, taking Evie into the waves for the very first time,” he said.
“It is truly devastating that Evie will never get to know just what an amazing person her mum was.”
“Evie and Ebony have not only lost their mum, the deaths of Luke and Roozi have also taken away two uncles who also loved and cherished them,” he added.
Mr Goodchild said he considered Luke’s partner Roozi , 38, as “another son”, a much-loved member of the communications team at the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
“Luke and Roozi have been partners for nearly a decade and are a truly inspirational couple to everyone who had the great fortune to have known them. To say, ‘This is just not fair’ doesn’t begin to express our despair.
“Their loss will be deeply felt not just amongst our families, but amongst all of their friends and work colleagues.”
Mr Goodchild said he wanted answers from Dreamworld but that would take time.
Shayne was joined by Kate’s partner Dave Turner.
“We do not wish to make any comment about the actions of Dreamworld or its owners at this stage and prefer to wait until further details emerge from the investigation and Coronial process.
“There have been some questions about whether the company has tried to contact us or offered any assistance. At this difficult time we would prefer that any future contact from the company or the media be made through our solicitor.
The family also wished to acknowledge their sincere condolences for Sydney mum Cindy Low, 42, who died tragically alongside Kate, Luke and Roozi.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Cindy’s family, and particularly her son, who was also sitting on the raft with his mum.”
Mr Goodchild has asked particularly that the media and the public now let the family grieve – and to begin the healing process as best they can.
“In particular, we ask that the media respect our wish to hold private farewells for Kate, Luke and Roozi. We understand the media interest their funerals will attract, but plead that we are allowed to grieve in private, at this most difficult time.”
“The next few weeks and months are going to be incredibly difficult for our families.
“For this reason, we ask from the bottom of our hearts, on behalf of all our families, that the country give us time and space to grieve, and to farewell our loved ones.”
Tributes continue to pour in from around the country.
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