Friends of Mackay shooting victim Natalie Frahm pay tribute to beloved mum

The devastated childhood and best friends of Queensland shooting victim Natalie Frahm have expressed their shock and grief at the sudden loss of their “naturally beautiful” friend. SPECIAL TRIBUTE

The devastated childhood and best friends of Mackay shooting victim Natalie Jane Frahm have paid tribute and expressed their shock and grief at the sudden loss of their ‘naturally beautiful’ friend. Pictured is a very young Natalie and Sally Barnden.

The devastated childhood and best friends of Mackay shooting victim Natalie Jane Frahm have paid tribute and expressed their shock and grief at the sudden loss of their “naturally beautiful” friend.

Natalie, 34, attended school at Chatsworth Primary and James Nash State High in the Gympie region before moving to Mt Isa and then South Mackay.

She was sitting with two children in a car in her driveway at Robb Place in Mackay on Wednesday afternoon, June 19, when she was allegedly approached by her neighbour Ryan Geoffrey Cole, 31, and shot in the head.

The heartbreak of her death has been compounded by the savage randomness of the attack.

Mr Cole is in custody on charges of murder and attempted murder after also allegedly shooting another neighbour that afternoon.

Ryan Cole, 31, is accused of killing Natalie Frahm, 36. Friends of Natalie have shared their memories and grief.

Friends who have known Natalie since she was in preschool and high school in Gympie are trying to come to terms with what has happened.

Ashleigh Kahler met Natalie when the two started high school together at James Nash High.

“Nat introduced herself to me when she realised I knew no others in our grade – I was so shy, and she was just naturally beautiful, confident and happy – an absolute ray of sunshine whose personality shone through,” Ashleigh said of Nat.

“My favourite memories with her are typical teenage girl things – pizza party and movie sleepovers, staying up till all hours of the night!” she said.

“Writing friendship letters to each other in our favourite gel pens to exchange at school every day, having matching ‘Dolly magazine’ diaries to take to classes.

Mackay shooting victim Natalie Jane Frahm and Ashleigh Kahler.

“One of my favourite memories with her was auditioning together for the Nash Starz cheerleading team, and making the squad – which meant I got to spend many a weekend at cheer competitions and rehearsals with my best friend.

‘I COULDN’T FIND ANY WORDS’

“Nat was just a truly kind and caring friend, and I have so many treasured memories with her. The news out of Mackay was nothing short of shocking. I had not heard about the shooting when my sister contacted me and asked if it was Natalie in the photo. I was speechless. I couldn’t find any words.

“How totally unfair for an innocent mother to lose her life … to have to leave behind her children, and leave a gaping hole in her family. It is truly heartbreaking and unfair.”

A very young Natalie Frahm and Sally Barnden.

Gympie mum Sally Barnden has been close friends with Natalie for three decades and shared photos of the two little friends down through those years.

“How magical it was to grow up with you and go through all the highs and lows,” Ms Barnden said in a touching social media post.

“We saw each other at every stage of life and I feel so blessed to have experienced so much with you,” she said.

“One day we will see each other again and I will give you the biggest hug ever!

“It’s killing me that I can’t call you and talk to you about my feelings, and that’s going to take a long time to come to terms with. Love you always and forever.

“Natalie, aka Natsalapasta, you were my best friend for 31 years and I don’t know how I will ever be able to live without you.

“From the very first day of preschool we became friends, and that friendship has only grown stronger every year.

“We have so many memories and trips together and have watched each other welcome our children into the world. I was so blessed that you and the kids came to stay with us recently and I will cherish that time together forever.

Natalie Frahm and Sally Barnden enjoyed a friendship spanning decades.

“My kids absolutely adored you and I love your kids like they were my own.

“I am in shock and to be honest don’t know how I will ever accept that you are gone.

“I sent you a message and keep checking to see if you have seen it, knowing that it won’t happen. I love you soooo much and will miss you every second of every day until we see each other again. From your Salsalavita.”

Pictured is Nat and lifelong friend Sally Barnden.

“I’m still in shock to be honest. I cried so much night one I didn’t even recognise myself. My face was so swollen. I am grieving the future we were supposed to have together.

“Natalie was a friend you could always rely on.

“From the first day of preschool we became friends, and we were joined at the hip for the next 30 years.

“No matter the distance, no matter the length of time since seeing each other, we would see each other and it’s no like time had passed at all.

“We grew up together, were there for so many firsts.

“We watched each other become parents and find true love.

“While I am grateful for all of these wonderful memories, I am saddened that we have now had our future together taken away. I will never ever forget her.”