The family of a police officer killed in a crash have issued a moving statement after laying their “firstborn flower” to rest.
NSW Police Constable Mia Lay was farewelled at Sydney’s Anglican cathedral on Wednesday, almost two weeks after her death.
Mourners, including her parents, NSW Premier Chris Minns and senior police as well as fellow officers, filled St Andrew’s Cathedral for the ceremony.
Following the funeral’s conclusion, her family issued a moving statement and final farewell through NSW Police, calling for the constable to be “remembered” and “spoken about”.
“The sudden and tragic loss of Mia, our firstborn flower, has left us profoundly traumatised, devastated and utterly bereft,” it reads. “We are lost without her.
“The pain we feel as a family is incomprehensible, and there are simply no words that can adequately express the depth of the sorrow we feel.
“Mia was deeply loved and adored by her siblings, her parents, her partner Dan, and her entire family.
“We want Mia to be remembered for the life she lived, the people she loved, and the service she so proudly gave to others. She made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty while serving our state.”
Born in London, Constable Lay lived and grew up in Australia, with a passion for sport and animals and a fierce loyalty to her family and loved ones.
“She was a strong-willed, determined, loving, focused, vibrant, spontaneous and beautiful young woman who touched the lives of so many people,” her family added.
“She had a fiery spirit and a fiercely independent nature, and beneath that was a heart full of kindness and unconditional love.
“As the eldest of five children, Mia was a role model to her younger siblings. They looked up to her and she was always someone they could turn to.”
The family went on to share their pride at her police work and thanked all those who supported them following the tragedy, including police bosses and politicians.
“Mia’s life may have been taken from her far too soon, but her spirit, her kindness, her laughter, her love and the memories she gave us will live on forever,” they added.
Previously, the service heard emotional eulogies from her father Clem Lay and mother Tamara Evans, who shared memories of their beloved daughter – the oldest of their five children.
‘My whole world’
Mr Lay described his trepidation at the beginning of her police career, but the pride it filled him with.
“The moment she arrived, she became my whole world,” he said, bravely holding back tears.
“When Mia chose to become a police officer, I was hesitant and had trepidations, but for her it was not just a career path. It was a natural, inevitable life she chose as a protector.
“Every single day Mia put on that uniform she carried the weight of the badge out of overwhelming dedication to people she did not even know.
“In a world that can be so cold, Mia was a peacemaker.
“Her brothers, sisters and I watched in awe.
“Our world feels empty right now. The silence she leaves behind in our family is deafening and the grief we share is a testament to how profoundly she touched our lives.”
Her mother recalled the constable’s birth in London and spending the first six weeks of her life without an official nationality – stories of which she said “amused” her daughter.
“Mia was an incredible, stunning person who had a soft, beautiful heart,” she said.
“She fit a lot into her 20 years, but her life has sadly been taken too soon.
“I was so proud of Mia being in the NSW Police Force and not being able to see her grow old will haunt me forever.”
She went on to list 20 touching things she loved about her daughter – a list she compiled to celebrate her 20th birthday.
Due to be engaged
Her partner, police officer Daniel Vasquez spoke of their romance, which blossomed during their shared police training.
“We were building a life together and it was the happiest I have ever been,” he said. “I knew I had found a very special person.”
“Mia and I often said it felt like we knew each other for a lifetime and with her I could be completely myself and she could be her true self with me.”
He spoke of their dreams of starting a family, describing her as his “soulmate”.
“She was so fierce, but so loving and caring too. Everywhere she left, she left a lasting impression,” he said.
The pair had recently gone ring shopping and Mr Vasquez was due to propose at an upcoming holiday in Fiji.
“Mia was my entire world and I will forever cherish the love and happiness she brought into my life,” he added.
“I shall forever remember you every time I pull on my uniform.”
Police honours
Addressing the service, NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon revealed how the 20-year-old had been posthumously honoured with national and NSW police medals for ethical and diligent service.
“To Mia’s colleagues, though we hurt, we will honour Mia’s service and life by carrying on her commitment and love of serving the community of NSW with pride and professionalism. It is the least we can do,” he said.
Mr Lanyon remembered the constable for her “professionalism, commitment and dedication”.
“To Mia, thank you for your courage and your service – you will not be forgotten.
“You have left an enormous legacy which we will continue to cherish.”
Accident that killed Constable Lay
Constable Lay was killed instantly after the police car she was seated in crashed into a tree while responding to reports of a stolen car along Gibbins St in Redfern early in the morning on September 25.
The car, which was being driven by a male constable, had lights and sirens on when the incident took place.
Images of the wreckage show the car sliced completely in half and horrifically crumpled.
Since the incident, family, friends and the police community have come together to mourn Constable Lay, who Mr Lanyon described as a “much loved” member of the South Sydney Police Area Command.
“There is nothing I can say easily that takes the pain away, but please know that Mia was a loved police officer,” he said, shortly after the crash took place.
“She showed exceptional promise, and was well loved … she would have been an outstanding police officer.”
A day after her death, dozens of family and friends visited the scene to pay their respects.
The funeral will conclude with a police march down Bathurst Street, which will begin outside the cathedral.
More to come
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