In a statement released this afternoon, Sharon\u2019s parents, Natallia and Carmine, said their hearts were \u201cbroken\u201d following the death of their \u201cbeautiful daughter\u201d.<\/p>\n
They said the teen was very well respected and had a great sense of humour.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne year ago, Sharon met the love of her life, Max. They very quickly formed a strong relationship.<\/p>\n
\u201cMax became a treasured part of our family, and he looked after Sharon and made her feel so special.\u201d<\/p>\n
Six people were killed when the landslide came down on the Pilot Bay side of the campground, carrying with it tents, caravans and structures on January 22.<\/p>\n
Victim identification hearings<\/p>\n
This week victim identification hearings have been held in the Tauranga District Court, including one this afternoon for Sharon.<\/p>\n
Coroner Louella Dunn heard evidence from Detective Sergeant Brent Griffiths about the forensic examination of a body that was believed to be Sharon.<\/p>\n
The primary identifier was a comparison of ante-mortem dental records and a post-mortem examination done by a forensic odontologist.<\/p>\n
The secondary identifiers related to information gathered from her family.<\/p>\n
This included her height, weight, build, hair colour and the jewellery she was wearing at the time.<\/p>\n
One of the items of jewellery was a silver-link bracelet with the inscription \u201cMax\u201d.<\/p>\n
Victims Max Furse-Kee and Sharon Maccanico appeared together frequently on social media. Photo \/ Max Furse-Kee<\/p>\n
Coroner Dunn said she considered the presented evidence sufficient and reliable in establishing that the body was Sharon\u2019s.<\/p>\n
She extended her condolences to the teenager\u2019s family, friends and school, and acknowledged that at just 15 years of age, she had died in \u201ctragic and unimaginable circumstances\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u2018Loved by all\u2019<\/p>\n
Sharon\u2019s parents said she was born in Italy, moved to Australia at 3 and then to New Zealand at 8.<\/p>\n
She had a passion for dance and would practise for hours every day, participating in seven solo competitions, all of which she won.<\/p>\n
Last year, she also won an international competition in Belarus.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe gave her all the support we could and were so proud to watch her work towards achieving her dreams.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe had the most amazing relationship with Sharon. From the day she was born, she was loved by all.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sharon Maccanico, 15, was formally identified at a hearing this afternoon. Photo \/ Irpinitaly<\/p>\n
Sharon was particularly close to her mother and had a strong bond with her older sister in Belarus. She was also popular at school, where her teacher described her as the \u201cheart of the class because of her strong energy\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe made so many people happy and touched so many lives.\u201d<\/p>\n
The teen was the fourth victim to be formally identified in Coroner\u2019s Court proceedings.<\/p>\n
Lisa Anne Maclennan<\/p>\n
Earlier today, the body of Morrinsville woman Lisa Anne Maclennan<\/a> was formally identified.<\/p>\n The 50-year-old, who was the literacy centre co-ordinator at Morrinsville Intermediate School, was caught in the Mount landslide.<\/p>\n Coroner Heather McKenzie said she was satisfied that remains recovered belonged to Maclennan.<\/p>\n Forensic odonotology, which focused on dental records compared with post-mortem examination, was the primary form of identification, as was DNA profiling evidence obtained from Maclennan\u2019s children.<\/p>\n Secondary identifiers included her height, hair colour, and a tattoo, described by family members.<\/p>\n Coroner Heather McKenzie said she was satisfied there was \u201csufficient and reliable\u201d evidence to establish the remains belonged to Maclennan.<\/p>\n Coroner McKenzie expressed condolences to Maclennan\u2019s family, emphasising that \u201cLisa\u201d was at the centre of the proceedings, despite the legal formalities and terminology used.<\/p>\n Maclennan has been lauded as a hero for her actions on the morning of the slip.<\/p>\n