Special friends pay tribute to Natasha Ryan after her tragic death

A man who became a confidante, friend and wedding guest of Natasha Ryan says he will always remember when she told him singing with him and her family in a car was one of the happiest times in her life. FULL TRIBUTES

A renowned celebrity publicist who went on to become a confidante of Natasha Ryan when she first re-emerged from hiding more than 26 years ago has expressed his devastation for her family to have her disappear a second time, because this time she cannot return.

Max Markson first met Natasha in 2003 and became close to her family, attending her wedding and arranging her interview with 60 Minutes and New Idea magazine.

Natasha Ann Ryan with 60 Minutes journalist Tara Brown in Rockhampton on April 18, 2003.

But to Mr Markson, and so many, Natasha, or Tash as she was known, was so much more than just ‘the girl in the cupboard’.

She was the girl he sang along with him to songs as they drove in the car and a young woman whose clothes he found himself happily ironing.

Mr Markson said he had fond memories of Natasha, singing in the car on the way to Yeppoon and even helping her buy and iron clothes before interviews.

Publicist Max Markson has remembered Natasha Ryan, who was a client of his. (AAP Image/Julian Smith)

“(When I first) met with her family and you could have cut the room like ice, they had the windows closed because the media were outside and they were just not talking. I went outside and told the media we’d do a conference or something the next day and I went back in and spent time with the family,” he said.

“We made arrangements that 60 Minutes would come up on the Sunday and we did a story with them in Yeppoon.

“I remember being in the car, her mum was driving and I was in the front seat and Tash was in the back and her younger brother was there.

“We were driving up there and I like playing music, so we were playing music and we’re all singing along, and she said ‘this is some of the happiest times I’ve had in five years’.

TV screen grab of Natasha Ryan with agent Max Markson. Photo: Channel 10. File.

“She was good with me. I remember one day we had to do some interviews so I flew up there, one of the magazines was coming to do something, I remember doing the ironing for her. I only have fond memories of her and good memories and smiles, her wedding day was a fantastic day.”

Mr Markson said it was a sad day learning of Natasha’s death, and really felt for her family.

Natasha Ryan during her interview on TV program “60 Minutes” on 27, April, 2003. (Pic: National Nine News Adelaide)

“They (her family) must be heartbroken, it’s so, so sad. I can only imagine,” he said.

“I’ve had so many positive stories and good stories with her in terms of her first child, getting married, and I’ve just got only good things to remember about her with such sadness … it’s just been a waste of a life, she was so young it’s just sad, it’s just so sad, she’s too young to pass away.”

A shocked Mr Markson said if he could turn back time, he would make it so she had her whole life to live.

“For her family to have (this happen a) second (time) … the first (time) they mourned and were separated, but she came back,” he said.

“She’s had a good life, she’s been awarded with another chance at life and it’s just so sad.

“She had a terrific career as a nurse, she put back into life, she gave back.

“I just had happiness for her, I just wish there was still happiness there today, I really do.”

There has been an outpouring of love for Natasha and her family following her passing.

Trudy McCabe posted on The Morning Bulletin’s Facebook page that she “had the pleasure of working with Tash”, understood to be a radiology nurse at CQ Radiology.

She went on to post: “She was a fabulous nurse and a treasured friend. This is so very sad. I truly feel for all her family and friends. Be at peace now Tash you will never be forgotten x”

The Morning Bulletin contacted CQ Radiology but have not yet received a response.

Many thanked her for her kindness and hard work as a nurse, including Rebecca Bardrick.

She posted: “She looked after my husband he knew her when she was young.”

While another person described her as “a caring and amazingly talented health care professional and a beautifully dedicated parent. She will be greatly missed.”