A decade after the death of 15-year-old Eden Westbrook, her family is continuing their quest for answers, accountability and an inquest.
Eden’s parents Jason and Amanda Westbrook, along with siblings Sky and Dontay, will lead memorial vigils in both Hobart and St Helens this morning to mark the somber anniversary.
The Westbrook family do not believe Eden took her own life, as authorities have ruled, at Fishermens Memorial Park in St Helens on February 18, 2015.
They say the investigation was plagued by “woeful inadequacy, neglect and failure to perform proper due diligence”.
“Today marks ten years since the day my older sister’s life was taken far too young,” sibling Sky Westbrook said.
“Since this day my family have been plagued with grief while fighting an unrested battle with a system that is supposed to instil justice, a police force which is supposed to protect its community.”
“During this time of fighting, I have seen beautiful acts of courage and bravery by the people who are willing to fight an unjust system rather than stand idly and watch as it neglects members of our community.”
“But I have also seen acts of cowardice from the systems that were meant to stand as a pillar of strength for their people.”
Dontay Westbrook joined his sister’s call for justice, describing Eden as “delicate and innocent”.
“I can’t change the past but I, with others, can make sure the truth is finally revealed and people are held accountable for their omissions and wrongdoings,” he said.
“Eden will never truly rest until she has justice and nor will we.”
The family is advocating for an open and transparent public inquiry into both Eden’s death and the investigation that took place.
Their cause has gained support from Senator Jacqui Lambie, who says “the evidence that Edie was murdered just keeps stacking up”.
She is pressuring the state government to amend legislation that currently prevents the family from accessing coroners’ photographs for independent examination.
Eden’s siblings will speak at Hobart’s Parliament Lawns from 7:30am. Her parents Jason and Amanda will hold a concurrent vigil at Fishermens Memorial Park in St Helens.
If you need someone to talk to, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
