Who is Toyah Cordingley?

Toyah Cordingley was a health and wellness advocate, an animal lover, a daughter, sister, and friend before she was also brutally killed at a beach in Far North Queensland.

Toyah Cordingleys vibrant spirit and enduring legacy continue to shine brightly, as she remains cherished in the hearts of those who knew her best. Picture: Supplied.

Toyah Cordingley was a health and wellness advocate, an animal lover, a daughter, sister, and friend.

Her name also became symbolic in Far North Queensland; representing the sunflower and as a bumper sticker on hundreds of cars across the nation — “Justice for Toyah”.

The 24-year-old was brutally killed while walking her dog at Wangetti Beach, north of Cairns, in 2018.

The man charged with her murder, Rajwinder Singh, 40, pleaded not guilty and is expected to stand trial later this year after a jury was unable to reach a verdict and was dismissed on Tuesday, March 18.

Toyah was a bright, loving, and beautiful soul — a cherished daughter, sister, and friend. Picture: Supplied.

Ms Cordingley worked at Paws and Claws Refuge and Boarding Centre in Port Douglas, and had started in a new role at Barr St Wholehealth Pharmacy and Health Foods.

Those closest to her say she was “that friend” who was always there, the one who would drive hours to keep a promise, or make funny faces to make others smile.

She was known for dying her hair bright purple or red, watching her favourite movie Nightmare Before Christmas, and was never afraid to embrace her individuality.

Toyah Cordingleys vibrant spirit and enduring legacy continues to shine. She is pictured here with her brother Jack Gardiner. Picture: Supplied.

Sunflowers became a well known homage to the 24-year-old, because they embodied the energy she gave to every room she walked into — warm, bright, and full of life.

At both her mother’s house and Wangetti Beach, memorials are covered in sunflowers, crystals, and dreamcatchers, which speak volumes about the free-spirited, nature-loving soul she was.

Toyah would now be 32 years old.

During evidence given in court at her murder trial, Toyah’s friends described her as someone who was generous, affectionate and deeply concerned with the happiness of her friends, boyfriend and family.

She kept in touch closely and regularly with family and friends, the court was told.

Her father, Troy, said he and his daughter had a standing arrangement to meet up on Sunday mornings, often doing the Red Arrow walk together. They’d texted the morning she died.

Toyah Cordingley (right) and her sister Leynah Gardiner. Picture: Supplied.

Toyah’s younger sister, Leynah, also told the court her sister had been in touch with her by phone the day she died, offering to give her a dress she no longer wanted.

They’d planned to speak later about how Leynah would get the dress.

Several friends gave evidence that Toyah would speak to them every few days or weeks, especially if they were living away from Cairns, as was the case with several of her closest friends when she died.

They also described to the court her concern for her boyfriend, Marco Heidenreich, telling them she had been thinking about perhaps living by herself for the first time in her life, but was worried about how Marco might miss the affection and attention of their live-in relationship.

Her friends remember her for her fierce loyalty.

At her memorial service in 2018, they wore neon orange shirts with purple bow ties — her two favourite colours — a loud, bright tribute to the way she lived her life; unapologetically, boldly, and full of joy.

Jade Oldenampsen wrote on socials: “I rember (sic) each time I met you, you where (sic) always super happy, you are loved and missed.”

Toyah was beautiful, kind, and had a clear passion for life with a strong work ethic and dedication to those she made promises to. Picture: Supplied.

Rebekah Fay said “Your the same about your friends too!” when Toyah shared a meme about being fiercely loyal to her pets.

Toyah’s friend, Megan Pritchard had asked her to be a bridesmaid in her wedding, in a post Toyah shared to her Facebook on October 2018, she said how excited she was to be apart of her friends big day.

“It was my pleasure to be asking you, and I can’t wait for you to be apart of Wedding day,” Ms Pritchard wrote.

Her Facebook profile has since turned into an online memorial page, showing photos that capture her zest for life — always smiling, playing dress-up, and sharing joyful moments with her friends and often with a pet in hand.

She is often pictured poking her tongue out and giggling with her girlfriends.

Originally published as Who is Toyah Cordingley?