Loved ones have said a final goodbye to water polo coach Lilie James at a private ceremony with mourners asked to wear colours to the service in memory of the slain 21-year-old.
Friends, family and members of the school community were seen in bright outfits for the memorial at Danebank Anglican School in Hurstville in Sydney’s south on Friday morning.
A white hearse arrived at the school just after 9.30am. A white casket adorned with flowers was carried inside as loved ones embraced each other and students in a nearby classroom watched on.
NSW Premier Chris Minns was also seen arriving to pay his respects, with as many as 500 mourners at the service. Fairy lights were seen lighting up the foyer where mourners walked through.
In a statement, Ms James’s father, Jamie, said the 21-year-old was an ‘independent, vibrant young woman’ who lived her life to the fullest.
‘On top of working and studying Lilie loved coaching and playing water polo. She loved to dance.
Loved ones have gathered to farewell water polo coach Lilie James in a private ceremony on Friday morning
A white hearse was seen arriving at the school just after 9.30am
The white casket was adorned with red and pink flowers
NSW Premier Chris Minns and a staffer are seen arriving at the memorial
Mourners are seen at Ms James’ memorial service on Friday
Friends, family and members of the school community were seen in brightly coloured outfits for the memorial at Danebank Anglican School in Hurstville in Sydney’s south on Friday morning
Loved ones are seen embracing each other outside the school as Ms James was laid to rest
Mourners are believed to have been asked to wear colours – not black – at Ms James’ memorial
‘Even with her busy schedule, she always still made time to support her brother Max, her friends and family.
‘We cannot thank the community enough for their thoughts, prayers, generosity and messages through this difficult time.
‘From the bottom of our hearts we thank you for the many great memories we all share of Lilie.
‘Lilie James we are so proud of you and thank you for sharing a wonderful and jam-packed 21 years together.’
Guests at the service have also been encouraged to sign a condolence book.
Emotional scenes were seen outside Danebank on Friday morning
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As many as 500 guests turned up at the memorial to pay their respects to Ms James
Friends, family and members of the school community are seen arriving at the memorial service on Friday morning
Ms James had graduated from Danebank in 2020 before going on to become a sports coach at St Andrew’s Cathedral School.
As per the wishes of Ms James’ family, the memorial at Danebank was for friends and the school community only.
The service was livestreamed into St Andrew’s Cathedral School for students and teachers to view together.
Some students from St Andrew’s were also seen arriving at the memorial service in their uniforms.
Police were also seen outside the school gates as mourners arrived for the service
Some students from St Andrew’s Cathedral School were also seen arriving at the memorial service in their uniforms
Mourners were seen donning colourful outfits as they paid their respects to Ms James
Ms James was working as an assistant water polo instructor for the elite inner-city school when she was found dead with horrific head injuries inside the campus gymnasium toilets on October 25.
Students left flowers and heartfelt handwritten notes at St Andrew’s after Ms James’ death.
The 21-year-old was described as a ‘coach like no other’, and a young woman who had boundless energy and a heart full of kindness.
Others claimed Ms James was a teacher who every student could rely on to talk to ‘no matter what it was about’.
She was also described as an incredibly positive and supportive teacher who made a ‘significant impact’ on those she coached.
The body of 24-year-old Paul Thijssen, who also worked at the school, was recovered a day later.
The pair had reportedly been in a relationship for a number of weeks in the lead-up to Ms James’ death.
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