Brisbane police officer Michelle Mullen dies after indoor skydiving tragedy

Tributes are pouring in for a beloved Brisbane police officer who died a week after an indoor skydiving accident.

Acting Senior-Sergeant Michelle 'Mully' Mullen died after an indoor skydiving accident. Picture: Supplied

Tributes are pouring in for a Queensland police officer who died after suffering critical injuries in an indoor skydiving accident in Brisbane’s North.

Michelle “Mully” Mullen was rushed to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in a critical condition last Thursday afternoon but succumbed to her injuries on Wednesday.

The officer, who held the rank of Acting Senior Sergeant, is an extremely experienced skydiver.

It’s understood Snr Sgt Mullen had been at the iFly Indoor Skydiving facility at Chermside on Thursday afternoon when she collided with the side of the wind tunnel, suffering head and spinal injuries.

Senior Sergeant Michelle Mullen. Picture: Supplied

In a note to her colleagues about the tragedy late Wednesday, Sen Sgt Mullen was described as a “well respected police officer and a friend to so many”.

Colleagues and friends have paid tribute to Sen Sgt Mullen, describing her as “an inspiration” and the epitome of “Kindness itself”.

Mourners spoke of “Mully’s” long love of skydiving, her contagious sense of fun and her caring nature.

Sen Sgt Mullen, 52, was a member of the South Brisbane Crime Prevention Unit.

A Queensland Police spokesman said a report would be prepared for the coroner.

Experienced skydiver and Queensland police officer died after an incident at Chermside’s iFly Indoor Skydiving facility. Picture: File image/Liam Kidston.

“Police are assisting Work Health and Safety (WHS) investigations in relation to a 52-year-old woman sustaining critical injuries at an indoor skydiving venue in Chermside on January 19,” the spokesman said.

“The woman sadly passed away from her injuries at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital on January 25.”

Labor MP Corrine McMillan is among those paying tribute to Sen Sgt Mullen, sharing a photograph of the highly respected officer.

“It is with great sadness that I am now able to share with you that one of our wonderful and truly dedicated local police officers, Acting Senior Sergeant Michelle Mullen has lost her fight for life after an indoor sky diving accident,” she wrote.

MP Corrine McMillan with police officers, including Senior Sergeant Michelle Mullen (far right). Picture: Supplied

“Michelle is pictured far right, and has served our community over many years at the Holland Park station, looking after the northern end of our community from Broadwater Rd north.

“Michelle will be truly missed. On behalf of our community, our hearts hurt for her family, her friends and all of the team at Holland Park station, led by Officer in Charge, Kylie Doyle.

“If you get the opportunity in the coming weeks to share your condolences with our local police, please do so. They would appreciate our love and support at this very sad time.”

Sen Sgt Michelle Mullen with Tom Searles and Sen Sgt Greg Bishop in 2013. Picture: Queensland Police

Neighbourhood Watch Queensland also paid tribute to the well-respected officer in a post to Facebook.

Sen Sgt Mullen presented at the Neighbourhood Watch State Conference in November on home security.

“Mully was Acting Officer in Charge of the South Brisbane Crime Prevention Unit and was instrumental in the design and development of the QPS Layered Security Assessment process,” the post said.

“Her passion for crime prevention and community policing was evident in everything she did.

“Most importantly she was a friend to a lot of us here and in the NHWQ community. She will be missed.”