Wife of photographer tragically killed within the Bondi terror assault reveals the lingering thriller that also haunts her – as she makes a determined public attraction for assist to lastly resolve it

The wife of a beloved rugby identity killed in the Bondi Beach massacre has begged for his beloved camera to be returned after it mysteriously vanished in the aftermath of the attack.

Peter Meagher, 61, was one of 15 people killed when Sajid and Naveed Akram allegedly opened fire at the Chanukah By the Sea event on December 14. 

Meagher, a former referee turned first-grade team manager, had been on assignment as a freelance photographer at the celebration when he was killed. 

He had only learned about his maternal Jewish background in 2022 and had embraced it, becoming a much-loved member of the Sydney Jewish community.

But in a heartbreaking twist, Peter’s widow, Virginia, this week revealed his Canon camera had likely been stolen by a cruel thief. 

‘As you all know, my husband Peter’s life was tragically taken at Bondi on 14 December,’ she wrote in a Facebook post on Thursday. 

‘It is now apparent that someone, other than a known authority, picked up his camera from Archer Park.

‘I would very much like to have his camera returned… ‘If you know anything about the Canon camera (as shown in these images), I’d love to hear from you. Thank you.’

Peter Meagher, 61, was one of 15 people killed when Sajid and Naveed Akram allegedly opened fire at the Chanukah By the Sea event on December 14

in a heartbreaking twist, Peter’s widow, Virginia, this week revealed his Canon camera (pictured) had been stolen in the chaotic aftermath of the attack

Virginia Meagher (pictured left) is seen at her husband’s funeral at St Mary’s Cathedral

Sydney locals were quick to share the widow’s post across other community pages. 

‘It’s hard to fathom someone would be that low Virginia – I’m so sorry. I pray that decency prevails and it finds a way back to you,’ one person wrote. 

‘That is appalling! I sincerely hope they return Peter’s camera to you!’ another said. 

Peter, who was the grandson of Wallabies Hall of Famer Wally Meagher, was a much-loved club figure of the Randwick Rugby Club and former first grade team manager. 

The former NSW police officer was named the club’s volunteer of the year in 2020. 

‘Marzo, as he was universally known, was a much-loved figure and absolute legend in our club, with decades of voluntary involvement, he was one of the heart and soul figures of Randwick Rugby,’ the club said in a statement.

‘For much of the last decade, Marzo has been our trusted first grade manager and this news has already hit our players, coaches, managers, volunteers and supporters extremely hard.

‘Prior to that he was also a highly respected long term referee who was well known and respected in Sydney rugby circles.

Meagher, a former referee turned first-grade team manager, had been on assignment as a freelance photographer at the celebration when he was killed

His wife revealed his Canon camera had been stolen from Archer Park after the attack

‘Rest in Peace ‘Marzo’ – we all love you and will miss you greatly. We are devastated.’ 

Virginia joined Peter’s brothers Greg, Andrew and Paul in saying their final goodbyes during a moving service at St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney. 

At the start of the ceremony, a collection of cherished items – a police badge, his Randwick rugby jersey, a camera and a jar of lollies reflecting his ‘extraordinary sweet tooth’ – were arranged on a table beside Mr Meagher’s casket.

Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns were pictured at the service, the first funeral the Prime Minister attended since the massacre.