Howard and Susan Horder were returning from Europe when Malaysia Airlines plane was shot down over Ukraine

This article is more than 6 years old

This article is more than 6 years old

An Australian couple who died on Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 has been formally identified.



Howard and Susan Horder, both 63 and from Brisbane, had been travelling in Europe and were among the 298 killed when the aircraft was shot down on 17 July by a suspected missile over part of eastern Ukraine where rebels have been fighting government forces.

Up to 39 Australian citizens and residents were on board the aircraft.

In a brief statement released by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, members of the Horder family said they were relieved Howard and Susan had been identified. They also wished to thank all those who helped in the process.

“We look forward to Howard and Susan coming home so that we can lay them to rest peacefully. Our thoughts are also with all those affected by this tragedy and we extend our deepest condolences to all the other families,” they said.

The couple have three sons living in Melbourne, the Sunshine Coast and London.