Mourners gather to farewell teen Shyanne-Lee Tatnell

Mourners have gathered to say goodbye to a “beautiful” teenager whose alleged murder in rural Tasmania sparked a months-long manhunt.

Shyanne-Lee Tatnell was found dead near a walking track in the state’s northeast last month after she disappeared from Launceston in April.

Tasmania police have since arrested Scottsdale man Christopher Mark Jordan, 36, who was charged with the 14-year-old’s alleged murder.

Hundreds of people packed into the Chapel of Parkside Funerals in Burnie on Saturday, with almost a 1000 people watching via an online livestream.

The service began with the lighting of candles which honoured Ms Tatnell and the grief felt by her family and the close-knit Tasmanian community.

Mourners were told the funeral was a “harsher moment” than expected, given that many questions surrounding Ms Tatnell’s death remained unanswered.

Ms Tatnell’s family encouraged mourners to bring written messages to be placed with the teenager during a funeral service in Burnie on Saturday.

Mother Bobbi-Lee Ketchell, who was active on social media during the frantic search, broke her silence last month in a tribute posted to Facebook.

“Heaven has now gained two of my beautiful children. Their wings were ready but my heart was not,” Ms Ketchell said.

“My baby girl, I will stay strong and continue to be your voice – protecting you was something I couldn’t do or save you.

“I am blessed I was your mum and you are coming home to me, just not the way I hoped.”

A GoFundMe account set up earlier this month has so far raised $2300 to help Ms Ketchell.

Organiser Joanne Nicholls said Ms Ketchell did not want flowers or gifts.

“(This is) a chance for members of the public to show their support,” Ms Nicholls said.

“Instead of flowers or gifts, please donate here. All donations go directly to the family’s needs.”

More than 180 emergency service personnel including Tasmanian police were involved in the search.

Police last week formally identified Ms Tatnell’s remains through DNA testing.

The teenager’s disappearance, and subsequent death, sent shockwaves through the tight-knit communities in rural Tasmania.

The Mercury reported seeing flowers, teddy bears, and heartfelt messages placed on Henry St bridge in Launceston.

Mr Jordan has been remanded into custody where he will remain ahead of his next court appearance on August 16.

No pleas have been entered.