The sudden and tragic death of Canberra-based academic Professor Gemma Carey has sent shockwaves through the community.
The 44-year-old mother and wife passed away on November 17, leaving behind her loving family and a legacy of advocacy for vulnerable communities.
A Long Battle with Illness
According to her family, Professor Carey had been battling a long illness, which had taken a toll on her health. Her loved ones have asked for privacy during this difficult time, but friends and colleagues have spoken out about her courageous fight against vaccine-induced long Covid.
The Fear of Covid: A Desperate Plea
One of her close friends, author and researcher Joshua Leisk, took to social media to share a heart-wrenching account of Professor Carey’s final days. According to Leisk, the professor had been diagnosed with a severe staph infection in her GI tract, which had escalated to septicemia and hyper-coagulation, causing intense pain and sleepless nights.
The doctor’s revelation that she might be suffering from long Covid, contracted six months earlier, sent her into despair. Leisk claimed that she reached out for information on voluntary assisted dying just hours later, overwhelmed by her condition.
A Champion for the Immune-Compromised
Professor Carey was a vocal advocate for mask-wearing and Covid safety protocols, often sharing her personal struggles with the illness on social media. In a poignant Facebook post from 2022, she pleaded with friends to understand the risks of Omicron, warning them to stay away from her and her family if they weren’t fully vaccinated and following strict protocols.
A Life of Advocacy and Resilience
Despite her health struggles, Professor Carey continued to work tirelessly in the disability space, drawing from her own experiences living with physical disability. She wrote extensively on Covid and its impact on vulnerable communities, earning her a reputation as a fierce champion for the immune-compromised.
A Controversy Surrounding a Tweet
In 2021, Professor Carey made headlines after sparking a $200,000 legal row over a tweet about former Attorney-General Christian Porter and journalist Peter Van Onselen. The controversy led to a public apology and the deletion of her Twitter account.
A Legacy of Courage and Compassion
As the ACT police prepare to submit a report to the coroner, the cause of Professor Carey’s death remains unknown. While voluntary assisted dying is not yet legal in Canberra, her story serves as a powerful reminder of the need for compassion and support for those struggling with chronic illness.
Professor Gemma Carey’s untimely passing leaves behind a legacy of courage, resilience, and advocacy. Her memory will continue to inspire and educate, even as her family and friends mourn the loss of a vibrant life cut short.