We would like to thank the community for the outpouring of sympathy since the tragic passing of our Kelly.
Not only was Kelly a proud and dedicated police officer, she was a loving sister, daughter, partner and friend.
She was one of a kind; tough when she needed to be, but selfless, always supporting the people around her.
This was true throughout her life, from her earliest role as a protective big sister, to her early career as a teacher, and later as a police officer.
She overcame the challenges in her life with grit and resilience and did so with a smile that lit up her whole face – and every room she entered, a sparkle in her eye and a laugh that was infectious.
When she moved to Katoomba in 2017, Kelly had found her paradise in the Blue Mountains; there were endless adventures at her doorstep. As an avid bushwalker, she loved the outdoors and her new home was to be her base for exploration.
It was a mutual love of the outdoors that brought both Kelly and Jenni to be on the Wollangambe trip together that day (Saturday 2 January 2021).
Jennifer Qi was an international student, studying Computer Science at the University of Sydney, she graduated with First Class Honors. Jenni was working as a Software Engineer and had called Australia home for a number of years.
Jenni loved the outdoors, camping and rock climbing regularly. She had even bought herself a Jeep to do the off-road driving needed to get to the places she wanted to reach! She had made plans with friends to do a free diving course and travel the Australian desert.
Our hearts go out to Jenni’s family and friends who are also grieving at this time. We will remain forever connected by this tragedy and our shared grief.
We would like to thank all of the emergency services personnel who helped with Kelly and Jenni’s rescue. The NSW Ambulance paramedics, RFS, Police, Police Rescue, Police Divers and those that helped to feed and care for the team.
Those two days were the hardest of our lives, but our pain was made that bit more bearable by the love, generosity, support and care of the first responders. We will be forever grateful for their kindness and their commitment to bringing Kelly and Jenni home.
We would like to thank the NSW Police Force for the care they have provided Kelly and the support they have provided our family, particularly the Chifley Police District. We would also like to thank the Police Association of NSW for their support.
To the broader community, we have been overwhelmed with the outpouring of love, support and kind words. Thank you.
It is humbling to know the impact that Kelly made on people we have not yet met.
In lieu of flowers, we would encourage those who wish to show their support to do so by way of donation to Police Legacy.
The Foster Family
