Warning: This article contains details that may disturb some people.
The final social media posts of a former Warriors player who died in a car fire all paid tribute to his three children who were also killed in the horrifying incident.
Rowan Baxter and his three children Laianah, Aaliyah, and Trey, were killed in the fire on a Brisbane street on Wednesday morning, Australian media reported.
"T-R-E-Y. Love you to the moon and back," Baxter said in a Facebook post on Thursday - what would be one of his last posts to social media.
He also paid tribute to his children in a post on January 7. According to 7 News, it's understood Baxter had become separated from them in the past few months.
"Goodnight my babies," Baxter wrote in January. "Daddy loves you."
Baxter was a Warriors player in the mid-2000s and a club member at Mt Albert Rugby League. He and his family ran a gym in Brisbane.
But on Wednesday it's alleged the car they were in was set on fire, as reported by the ABC.
"I've seen some horrific scenes," Detective Inspector Mark Thompson told reporters. "This is up there with some of the worst - it's a terrible scene."
Only Baxter's wife Hannah made it out of the vehicle. It's not known what role Baxter played but a witness told The Australian newspaper that a woman "was screaming he had doused her with petrol" when she got out.
"For us to call it a murder-suicide or a tragic accident, it's inappropriate for us to do that," Det Insp Thompson said. "That's exactly what we're investigating."
Where to find help and support:
- Shine (domestic violence) - 0508 744 633
- Women's Refuge - 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE)
- Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
- What's Up - 0800 WHATS UP (0800 942 8787)
- Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
- Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
- Samaritans - 0800 726 666
- Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
- Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
- Shakti Community Council - 0800 742 584
