Behind the ‘happy chaos’ farm life portrayed by Archie Ranger’s ‘pregnant’ stepmum before the Grafton boy, five, was found duct-taped inside a sleeping bag

By KARLEIGH SMITH – SENIOR REPORTER, AUSTRALIA

Published: 19:25 EDT, 19 October 2026 | Updated: 19:26 EDT, 19 October 2026

A five-year-old boy allegedly found dead with duct-tape wrapped around his head inside a sleeping bag was once pictured with his siblings wearing a T-shirt with the slogan, ‘On my mom’s last nerve’.

Archie Ranger, who was discovered in an unresponsive condition by Grafton police officers at his Northern Rivers home on October 12, was seen alongside his brother and stepsister in an undated photo uncovered by the Daily Mail.

The trio of children wore the matching T-shirts while giving a thumbs-up as they faced a wall filled with family photos.

Officers allegedly discovered Archie and his two siblings had been duct-taped into sleeping bags, with tape placed over their eyes at night.

Archie, reportedly disabled and born with an eye misalignment, could not be revived.

Police claim Archie had duct-tape wrapped around his head and were allegedly told it was to ‘assist him sleeping’.

Archie’s father, Neil Ranger, and stepmother, Stephanie Luhrmann, are local residents who both work at Big River Glass, where Ms Luhrmann is understood to be an office manager.

Mr Ranger and Ms Luhrmann, who were home at the time, have been interviewed by investigators.

Archie (right) and his siblings wore T-shirts bearing the words, ‘On my mom’s last nerve’

Steph Luhrmann and Neil Ranger are pictured with their blended family

A post-mortem examination will be carried out to determine how Archie died.

Ms Luhrmann, who is possibly pregnant, and Mr Ranger are understood to be receiving medical care and undergoing a mental health assessment. It is not suggested the parents are in any way responsible for the child’s death.

The Daily Mail is told Archie’s biological mother is ‘not doing well’, and his brother and stepsister are now in the care of other family members.

The tragic death of little Archie has rocked the Clarence River region, with locals appealing for a vigil in his memory.

Mr Ranger’s Facebook has been flooded with comments about the loss of his son.

Ms Luhrmann frequently documented on social media what appeared to be an idyllic semi-rural life in the Clarence River region, alongside Mr Ranger and their blended family.

Several TikTok videos show the children dancing in the kitchen and playing in the yard, along with regular boating and beach trips.

The couple have been interviewed by police, but no charges have been laid

Police are waiting for the results of a post-mortem on Archie’s body

Ms Luhrmann, whose parents live in Grafton, played for the local Redmen rugby club and was previously involved in relationships with women.

A neighbour told the Daily Mail she and Mr Ranger lived at the Carrs Island Road home for ‘just over a year’, but ‘kept to themselves’.

Property records show the address, which sits along the banks of the Clarence River, is leased at $400 per week.

Calls to Ms Luhrmann and her parents, Kenneth and Jeanette, who live locally, went unanswered on Monday morning.

In April, Ms Luhrmann launched a business named Luhrmann & Co Farm, posting an AI-generated image of a man, woman, two boys and a girl to Facebook.

Last month, she updated the cover photo with an AI image depicting the woman as pregnant.

The page, which promotes a hobby farm featuring chickens and cats, has just 47 followers.

‘Life on our little farm is busy and full of love, with early mornings, muddy boots and happy chaos,’ the page’s description reads.

Calls to Ms Luhrmann and her parents, who live locally, went unanswered on Monday

The family lived on Carrs Island, just outside Grafton on the Clarence River

Grafton locals have been devastated by the news that a local child had died

‘Raising my three kids alongside our chickens, every day brings laughter, lessons and memories.’

Ms Luhrmann also appeared to be attempting a career as a cooking influencer, frequently sharing posts about what she was making for her kids’ dinners.

Detectives have joined local investigators at the crime scene as part of Strike Force Milona to oversee inquiries into how the boy died.

A NSW Police spokesman told the Daily Mail that emergency services were called to the Grafton home at about 6.40am on October 12 following reports that a boy had been found unresponsive.

‘Officers attached to Coffs/Clarence Police District attended the scene and commenced CPR on the boy,’ the spokesman said.

‘NSW Ambulance paramedics attended a short time later; however, they were unable to revive the five-year-old.

‘A crime scene was established and inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the boy’s death are underway.’

The NSW Department of Communities and Justice is also investigating.

Ms Luhrmann posted an AI image to her business page that appeared to show her pregnant

‘The Department of Communities and Justice is aware of the tragic death of a young child in Grafton. Our heartfelt condolences go out to those who knew and loved this child,’ a spokesman said.

‘DCJ is working with NSW Police on their inquiries, and given the ongoing investigation, it would be inappropriate to comment further.’

A police spokesman told the Daily Mail on Monday morning that there was ‘no update to provide at this stage’.

Do you know more? Email karleigh.smith@dailymail.com.au