Mother’s ‘unfathomable’ grief after toddler killed by own father

The mother of a toddler who was found dead in a unit on the New South Wales Far North Coast on Monday has spoken of her family's "incomprehensible grief" following the suspected murder-suicide.

Two-year-old Rowan was found dead alongside his deceased father, James, 38, in a unit on College Street in East Lismore on Monday at 9.45pm.

Today, Rowan's mother Dr Sophie Roome and her family have released a statement about Rowan's death.

"Our family is facing incomprehensible grief," the statement read.

"Our beloved Rowan was taken from us in the most unfathomable way.

"Rowan was a beautiful, joyful, and adored little boy.

"He had so many amazing qualities, and his short life was filled with rich and happy experiences. He loved music, the beach, swimming, his friends and his family.

"He touched the hearts of everyone lucky enough to be in his world.

"Rowan's life was ended by an evil and cowardly act of violence, perpetrated by a person he should have been able to trust the most.

"There are no possible excuses for this hurt, and no end to the pain it has caused.

"We are devastated. We will love and miss Rowan forever.

"We thank all those who have provided support, and we acknowledge the suffering of James' family, which is also immense.

"Our family and friends will not be providing any other comments at this time."

Police said on Monday that they believed the two were killed in a suspected murder-suicide.

James was an employee at NSW Health.

The government department had to issue an apology today after an employee allegedly sent an email to staff calling James a "wonderful colleague and beloved friend."

It's understood the email was sent days after the murder-suicide was made public.

"NSW Health does not endorse and did not approve the inappropriate email sent by an individual staff member to a number of their colleagues," a NSW Health spokesperson said in a statement.

"The tragic events that unfolded in Lismore last weekend are having a profound impact on the community, including many of our staff members."

"Our focus is on making sure support is available for staff members who need it during this difficult time and in the days and weeks to come."