The grieving parents of two young children who died after being struck by an SUV last Wednesday held a funeral service in Western Sydney to bid farewell to their siblings. The children, five-year-old Katherine and 14-month-old Harry, were fatally injured when the vehicle hit their pram, an incident that has deeply affected the family and the local community.

Vundy Tha and Sok Ram, the children’s parents from Cabramatta, described the devastating loss during a small Buddhist ceremony held in Fairfield. Ms. Ram referred to Katherine as “my angel,” highlighting her daughter’s kindness and spirited nature. She recalled the joy Katherine brought to their lives and expressed the heartbreak she feels over losing her. “Everyone would say what a kind heart she had. My heart is broken. I still can’t believe she’s gone,” Ms. Ram said.

Katherine was remembered as a bright and enthusiastic five-year-old who enjoyed her first year at school, taking pride in being at the front of the line. Mr. Tha echoed this sentiment, noting his daughter’s competitive spirit and love for school and sports. “She loved to be number one,” he said. “I would say to her ‘you don’t always have to be the best,’ but she still wanted to be number one.” He also spoke of the profound pain in never seeing his son Harry grow up, recalling how the toddler was just beginning to talk.

During the intimate service in Fairfield, seven Buddhist monks performed traditional chants while the parents walked around the open coffins and lit candles. Mourners participated in prayers and burned incense to honor the children’s memories. Speaking about the emotional toll, Ms. Ram shared that she has seen her children in dreams since the tragedy, with the voices of the children telling her “I love you mummy” each night.

Following the ceremony, two hearses carrying the small coffins led a funeral procession past the family’s home before proceeding to Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens in Leppington. The larger event was attended by many relatives, friends, and members of Sydney’s Cambodian community, as well as teachers from Katherine’s school, who came to pay their respects.

On Monday, a chanting service for families was held alongside a viewing to commemorate the siblings. Since the tragedy, the community has come together in support of the family, establishing a GoFundMe page that has raised close to $400,000 to assist them during this difficult time.