Premier pays tribute to SES volunteer Merryl Dray who died ‘trying to help fellow Queenslanders’

A much-loved SES volunteer who died trying to rescue a family trapped in floodwaters has been remembered as a hero who made ‘the ultimate sacrifice’.

SES volunteer Merryl Dray.

The Queensland community is mourning the loss of a selfless SES volunteer, who made “the ultimate sacrifice” while trying to protect a family from floodwaters near Ipswich.

Merryl Dray - a much loved member of the Lowood SES Group – died while trying to help a family escape floodwaters at Coolana overnight.

Three others who were in the vehicle were rescued from the floodwaters, but tragically the 62-year-old could not be saved.

QFES Commissioner Greg Leach paid tribute to Ms Dray who had been a volunteer with the SES for four and a half years.

SES volunteer Merryl Dray.

“Merryl was trained in storm damage response, first aid and traffic control and was passionate about helping her local community,” Mr Leach said.

“The Dray family and the Lowood SES Group thank the community for the love and support that is being extended to them during this difficult time and thanks the media for respect of their privacy.”

Ms Dray was the fourth person to lose their life in what authorities have called “the biggest flooding event” in a decade, with rain battering southeast Queensland since Tuesday.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk also paid tribute to Ms Dray’s selfless act.

“My heart goes out to this SES volunteer’s family, colleagues and friends,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“This SES volunteer was out in the worst of the conditions trying to help her fellow Queenslanders.”

Police Minister Mark Ryan said her family and colleagues would be provided with every possible support.

“This is a terrible tragedy for everyone concerned,” Mr Ryan said.

“Our SES volunteers are remarkable people, who selflessly give of themselves to help others.

“Tragically, this volunteer has made the ultimate sacrifice as she went to the assistance of her fellow Queenslanders.

“And tragically, other Queenslanders have lost their lives as this extreme weather event unfolds.”

Overnight the body of a 55-year-old Camp Hill man was found in water at Gladys St at Stones Corner, in Brisbane’s inner south, just after 1.30am.

Last week Belli Park resident Philippa Tayler, 63, died after her car became stuck in floodwaters on Skyring Creek Rd, in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, early Wednesday morning.

Father-of-three Phil Lambert was also killed after he was washed away in floodwaters near Gympie.