Sister of Cooktown woman Pippa Lanko Diplock, asks community to speak up if they know anything about her mysterious death

A devastated Cooktown family grieving after the sudden death of their youngest sister who was found lying on grass, has spoken of their harrowing ordeal.

The sister of a Cooktown woman found dead lying in grass by a neighbour said “she was the brightest star in the room”.

Jacky Bertrand said her youngest sister Pippa Amelia Lanko Diplock, 38, who police said died on Sunday, before being found by a woman neighbour mowing the grass between their Bradbury St properties on Monday, was a “wonderful person with an infectious smile and she gave the best hugs”.

Ms Bertrand said their family was “devastated” by the loss of woman she said was “full of love for everyone, she loved the beach, the water, the bush and having fun in the sun”.

Ms Bertrand said her sister was “a kind, caring and loving person”.

“Pippa had a big heart for animals,” she said.

“Caesar her rescue dog was covered in fleas, ticks and had worms when she first got him.

“She really spoiled him, he’s missing her so much and has run off several times to look for her.

“He’s currently being cared for by people who also loved Pippa and are missing her too.”

The sister of Cooktown woman Pippa Lanko Diplock who was found dead outside her home said, "she was the brightest star in the room.." Picture: Supplied

Ms Bertrand said Ms Diplock had a special way of making people feel better about themselves.

“Pippa always knew the right thing to say and support you,” she said.

“A friend called and told me of a time when she was scared and nervous about making a decision, she said Pippa said the right thing and gave her the courage to go ahead.

“Even if she was having the worst day, she could uplift the room.

“Mum said she would give you a hug like it was the last hug you’d ever get, it’s hard to share how special she was to people who never knew her.”

A private ceremony will be held ahead of a public memorial, Ms Bertrand said.

“We hope to shortly announce a celebration of her life and hope to hold this service by the end of the month.”

Friends Rebekah Bennett and Sophie Vollugi agreed she was “one of a kind”.

“Pippa, trying to explain Pippa is like trying to explain how the universe works,” they said.

“The most beautiful pure soul, so full of life.

“Always wanting to learn and teach.

“Her smiling face and happiness her enthusiasm and kindness was infectious and will never be forgotten.”

Ms Bennett and Ms Vollugi said she had “a heart of gold and a love like no other”.

“She was fun, spontaneous, adventurous and would give anything a go and she would bring a confidence out in you never knew you had,” they said.

“Pippa) we are truly blessed to have had you in our lives every moment will forever be treasured.

“To say you will be missed is an understatement, nothing and no one could ever replace your beautiful soul.”

Cooktown woman Pippa Lanko Diplock (right) was a "beautiful, pure soul" and "will never be forgotten," according to her friends Rebekah Bennett and Sophie Vollugi. Picture: Supplied

On February 10, Detective Inspector Jason Chetham confirmed the investigation involved the Criminal Investigation Branch but the full circumstances are not known.

Ms Bertrand said the family did not yet know the circumstances which led to Ms Diplock’s death.

“We don’t know all the details yet,” she said.

“We have been told its suspicious but we don’t know what happened.”

While she could understand the community’s interest in her sister, Ms Bertrand said she hoped rather than gossiping on social media, anyone with information should contact police.

“There’s a lot of speculation out there,” she said.

“If people have any genuine information about what happened or heard a whisper about her that something could have been askew, we ask people to contact police immediately.”

Anyone with information about Ms Lanko’s death is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Sister of Cooktown woman Pippa Lanko Diplock, asks community to speak up if they know anything about her mysterious death