The father of two boys found dead in the Blue Mountains this week has released a statement, saying the loss of his sons has caused “unimaginable pain and distress”.
On Tuesday the bodies of Russell Smith, 11, and his brother, Ben, nine, were discovered inside a Faulconbridge home by their father, Nick Smith, who contacted police.
Their 42-year-old mother, Trish Smith, was also present and had self-inflicted injuries, police said at the time. She was taken to Westmead hospital in a stable condition under police guard and was arrested. No charges have been laid.
Nick said his sons had been “happy, funny, outgoing boys, and were very much loved by their family and friends”.
“Like other boys their age, they loved sports, soccer, the Penrith Panthers, fishing, books, music, spending time with their friends and Max their pup,” he said on behalf of the family on Wednesday.
“We cannot understand how our boys have been taken this way and we appreciate the kindness and compassion shown by the community.
“We also ask the media respects our need for privacy at this time, and give us the time and space we need to grieve.”
It is understood the mother remained in hospital under police guard on Thursday morning. Westmead hospital was unable to provide a condition update.
New South Wales police said the investigation was ongoing.
Flowers, teddy bears and toy cars have been propped against the fence of the Faulconbridge home, as a photo of the smiling, dark-haired siblings was released by their family.
Supt John Nelson told reporters on Tuesday that officers had found a “tragic scene” and all avenues were open to investigation.
A police spokesperson had earlier said police were not looking for anyone else. Police had been investigating the movements of both boys since they attended school on Monday.
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A spokesperson for the Catholic Schools Parramatta diocese, where the boys attended school, said counselling and wellbeing support was being provided to students and staff and would continue in the coming weeks.
The NSW premier, Chris Minns, said “every help” would be provided to the father, who does not live at the Blue Mountains home.
“I can only imagine what the father of those two boys is going through today and I want to assure him the people of NSW are behind him as he deals with the turning of his life upside down,” Minns said on Wednesday.
– with Australian Associated Press
