Gabrielle Sale: Gold Coast flood victim, beloved mum and friend, remembered as ‘ray of sunshine’
A much-loved Mudgeeraba woman who tragically died in flood waters on the Gold Coast has been remembered as a “larger than life” mother and friend.
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The best friend of the woman who tragically died in the flood waters on the Gold Coast says she will be remembered as a ray of sunshine and a true friend for life.
Gabrielle Sale who was known to friends as Gabby or Gabs was found in Mudgeeraba flood waters on Saturday - a day before what would have been her 43rd birthday.
A police spokesperson said in a media release on Saturday a co-ordinated extensive search operation was launched earlier in the week for 42-year-old Gabrielle who was believed to be missing in flood waters at Mudgeeraba.
Police said she was reported missing on Tuesday, March 1, after being last seen on Sunday February 27, travelling in a vehicle on Gunsynd Road near Bonogin Creek.
Multiple police, the Polair chopper and dive squad officers searched the Mudgeeraba area where her vehicle was last seen after an alert was raised by best friend Priscilla Dior.
Ms Dior who had known Gabrielle for 25 years said she was a true friend for life.
“I could not speak to her for years but as soon as we saw each other it was like no time had passed,” she said.
“She was a ray of sunshine on a bad day.”
Ms Dior wrote a tribute to Gabrielle on behalf of friends and family: “No words can express how Gabby’s family and friends are feeling,” she said.
“Gabby was larger than life. She was a devoted mother and her son (14) was her world.
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“She was a true friend for life.
“You could be having the darkest day and Gabby made the sun shine through.
“A game of Backgammon, red wine and a cheese platter, listening to music was some of my favourite memories.
“Never forget you always won.
“Your family and friends will always love you and may you finally be at peace.
“Forever you will live in our hearts,” Ms Dior said.
On Friday, Ms Dior had posted to Facebook to say Gabrielle had been missing since Sunday, February 27.
“She left home in her PJs and was last seen at Hungry Jacks Mudgeeraba driving a Silver Holden Astra 1998 model Hatchback. Friends and family are concerned for her welfare,” Ms Dior said.
Ms Dior said family and friends commemorated Gabrielle’s life on Sunday March 6, which would have marked her 43rd birthday.
Division 9 Councillor Glenn Tozer said the community was grieving Gabrielle’s death and sent his condolences to her friends and family.
“Our community always grieves when tragedy occurs in our neighbourhoods,” he said.
“We’re thinking of Gabrielle’s family during this terrible time.
“Already, members of the community are offering to help or console others in their time of sadness and need.
“These difficult times bring out the most compassionate and caring of responses in Mudgeeraba and the hinterland,” Cr Tozer said.
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Originally published as Gabrielle Sale: Gold Coast flood victim, beloved mum and friend, remembered as ‘ray of sunshine’
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