Home and Away actress Jessica Falkholt laid to rest in emotional ceremony

Jessica Falkholt

by Anna Sky Hulton |
Updated on

Home And Away actress Jessica Falkholt died after being in a car crash on Boxing Day that claimed the lives of her parents and sister

Her funeral took place yesterday at a church in Sydney, which was reportedly packed out with friends, family members and fans who wanted to pay their respects.

Jessica's uncle, Paul Ponticello, addressed the congregation, holding back tears as he condemned the driver who had killed Jessica and her family.

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Paul emotionally told the mourners that his family would never be the same again after the deaths of Jessica, 28, her sister Annabelle, 21, and their parents Lars, 69, and Vivian, 60.

He said: "An entire family has been taken by events totally beyond their control. What occurred does not fit neatly within the definition of accident."

He added that it was hard to come to terms with the loss at the hands of serial driving offender Craig Anthony Whitall, who was driving the car that killed the family.

Whitall, who had been addicted to drugs, also died.

Jessica, who played Hope Morrison in the soap, was on a life support machine at the St George Hospital in Sydney following the devastating car accident.

Her family made the heartbreaking decision to turn off her life support six days ago, and she passed away on Wednesday morning local time.

One day after the funerals of her sister and her parents, Jessica's family made the decision to turn off Jessica's life support and, although she bravely fought for nearly a week, the news of her death was announced earlier today.

A statement on behalf of the family said: "The family has asked for privacy during this very difficult time."

Jessica's parents were killed instantly in the crash and her sister passed away in hospital three days later.

Since the announcement of the actress' death, messages of condolence have been coming in from both celebrities and fans alike.

James Stewart, who plays Justin Morgan in the Australian soap, tweeted: "R.I.P Jessica Falkholt. Such a beautiful and talented soul- taken so soon & so tragically."

Another former co-star Jackson Heywood, who plays the role of Brody Morgan posted a photo of Jessica on Instagram with the caption: "Jess. You and your beautiful soul will be so deeply missed, but always remembered. Be with your family now.

"Goodbye you wonderful person. Love always, Jackson. May we send all support to her family and closest friends who are hurting the most. Thankyou."

Pia Miller who plays Katarina Chapman, also posted a photo of the actress saying: "Farewell wonderful Jess ♡ beautiful pic by David Newman. ♡"

Messages left on social media from fans also read, 'Rest peacefully beautiful Jess. You are with your family now. Thanks for the memories on H&A ❤️🌹😍' and 'Rest In Peace My Beautiful ❤❤🌹🌹'.

Our thoughts are with Jessica's friends and family.

**Have you been reading about Jessica? Are you a Home And Away fan? Let us know over on **Facebook and Twitter.

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