The devastating news of a 17-year-old girl’s death in a shark attack on Bribie Island has left a community in shock.
Charlize Zmuda, a year 12 student, was tragically killed while swimming with her best friend at Woorim Beach, north of Brisbane, on Monday at around 4:45 pm.
A Life Full of Love, Laughter, and Adventure
Charlize’s mother, Renee Zmuda, wants her daughter to be remembered for the incredible life she lived, not the horrific way she died.
“Charlize was loved by many and was such a shining light who truly touched the lives of everyone she met,” she said.
The teen was a free spirit, gifted musically, and had a voice like an angel. Her love for the beach was unmatched, and it was her happiest place on earth.
A Community in Mourning
Family and friends gathered on the beach to watch the sunrise on Tuesday and say goodbye to Charlize.
They shared stories of her love for 4WDing, picking up rubbish, and her passion for surf lifesaving. Charlize was a Bribie Island Nipper at age 8 and had risen to become vice captain of her patrol.
Her uncle, who joined the grieving family on the beach, said she had swum at the beach every day and was deeply familiar with the waters.
A Shocking Incident that Has Rattled the Community
The incident has sent shock waves through the tight-knit community of Bribie Island.
Local resident Christopher Potter said, “It’s absolutely shocking. It’s very disturbing to see. We all love the beach, we all love to go for a late afternoon dip around here — to hear about this, yeah, it’s sent shock waves through everyone.”
The community is still trying to come to terms with the loss of a young life.
Remembering Charlize
As the community mourns the loss of Charlize, her family and friends want her to be remembered for her love of life, her music, and her passion for the beach.
“Please focus on the incredible life she lived and not the awful way she died,” her mother said.
Charlize’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew her, and her memory will continue to inspire others to live life to the fullest.