![](https://new-cdn.mamamia.com.au/mamamia-pwa.appspot.com/cms_images/variations/758.8188341232226x505.87922274881504-733707317214.jpg)
This story discusses domestic violence.
One of Dave Kramer's most vivid memories of Aaliyah, Laianah and Trey was hearing their excited voices scream, "Dave's here!", as he drove into the gym, owned by their parents, Hannah Clarke and Rowan Baxter.
After working out with Hannah and Baxter, Dave would scoop one child up under each arm, as the other clung on to his back, all three insisting on being carried to the car before heading home for the day.
"The kids always wanted to play tag, so I'd chase them around, while I was setting up the equipment for our workout," Dave says.
"For years, this was a standard Saturday or Sunday afternoon."
Dave met Baxter—the man who would ultimately murder his wife, Hannah, and their three children in a horrific act of gendered violence—back in 2013.
Watch: Hannah Clarke's family talk about the abuse. Article continues after the video.
"I worked with one of his mates, and we started training together," Dave says. The gym was co-owned by Baxter and his then-wife Hannah, and the three became firm friends. Over time, Dave's friendship with Hannah grew closer.
"We were the same age, while Baxter was 10 years older than us, and we were similar in fitness levels, so we did some pairs competitions together," says Dave. By 2018, Dave considered Hannah one of his best friends. But he often spent time with Baxter too.
Top Comments