As the harrowing story of her murder continues to unfold, Stephanie Scott is now, due to tragic circumstances, a household name in Cootamundra.

We can identify with our brothers and sisters in the country town of Leeton, who are grieving the loss of a school teacher, a friend and a relative.

Police found Steph’s burned body in bushland on Friday, and since the news broke, it has been a talking point in town. Most have lamented her death, however some feel the need to speculate on the motive behind the murder, claiming that such a heinous crime would not have been committed without good reason.

How can a tragedy so close to home become a topic of idle gossip?

We know, too well, the deep and lasting impact of tragedy on a small community.

We remember Stockinbingal man John Sherry, murdered in 2009.

We remember Chloe Hardy, we remember Peter and Sandy Black, we remember Adam Schell and Daniel Blackney; each soul as precious as the next. Local people who lost their lives on country roads.

We are endowed with the life experience to empathise with the community of Leeton, as we offer our condolences we can enable the healing process, but only when we offer words of kindness, sensitivity and respect.