Family of three children killed in the MH17 tragedy still suffering two years later and reveal the depths of their despair in court documents as they seek compensation

July 17, 2016

The parents of the three young children killed in the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 two years ago have revealed they have suffered devastating depression and trauma since the tragedy.

Couple Anthony Maslin and Marite Norris' heartbreak was laid bare in court documents lodged as part of their claim for compensation from the airline, and details the depths of their despair when sons Mo, 12, and Otis, 8, and daughter Evie, 10, were killed along with their grandfather, Nick Norris, as they returned home to Perth in 2014.

The documents reveal the couple has suffered extensive psychiatric and emotional harm because the airline failed to contact them about the tragedy before they saw detailed footage of the crash on television, reportsPerth Now.

MH17 was shot down on July 17, 2014, as it flew over eastern Ukraine on its way from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur.

The Maslin family, including Mr Norris' wife Lindy, learned of their loved-ones' deaths 'by watching news reports displaying graphic images of the crash site' and from phone calls from people who were not employed by the airline, the document said.

As a result, they suffered 'varying degrees of psychiatric injury, conditions or illness, depressive illness and economic loss'.

Anthony, Marite and Lindy have all employed a counsellor, are undergoing treatment and require medication for the heavy emotional toll.

Mo, 12, Evie, 10 and Otis, 8, were on their way back to Perth to resume school, accompanied by their grandfather, while their parents stayed behind in Amsterdam.

Sunday is the two year anniversary of the tragic event, which saw 298 passengers and crew, 40 of whom were Australian, die when the plane was shot out of the sky.

An international investigation found the plane was downed by a Russian-made Buk surface-to-air missile, believed to have been fired by pro-Russia separatists.

Preliminary findings from the forensic investigation into the crash are due this year.

STATEMENT FROM ANTHONY MASLIN AND MARITE 'RIN' NORRIS

Violet May Maslin came in to the world on Tuesday 10 May, bringing with her love and light, hope and joy.

Our family was torn apart when MH17 was blown out of the sky by the violent anger of a nationalist missile, on July 17, 2014. Our three innocent, beautiful and inspiring children were killed, alongside their grandfather, Nick Norris.

We believe that Mo, whose 14th birthday was Saturday, Evie, 12 next week, Otis, 10 next month, and Grandad Nick have sent us an amazing gift. Violet's birth is a testament to our belief that love is stronger than hate.

We still live with pain, but Violet, and the knowledge that all four kids are with us always, brings light to our darkness. As Martin Luther King said, 'Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.'

We will continue to love all four of our children equally. Violet brings some hope and joy for us. We hope she brings hope and joy for you too.

In May this year, Anthony and Marite welcomed a new daughter, Violet, into the world. In a statement released to the public, they mentioned the pain of the last two years.

'Our family was torn apart when MH17 was blown out of the sky by the violent anger of a nationalist missile,' they said.

'Violet's birth is a testament to our belief that love is stronger than hate.'