Brisbane resident Lucinda McGrath tragically dies at Caloundra beach

A “free spirited” young woman who tragically died at a Sunshine Coast beach on Sunday was visiting the region to celebrate her birthday, her heartbroken mum has revealed.

Brisbane resident Lucinda McGrath, 27, passed away near Bulcock Beach, Caloundra yesterday. Photo: Supplied.

The mother of a young woman who tragically died at a Sunshine Coast beach on Sunday is in “absolute shock” at the news which came one day before her daughter’s 28th birthday.

Brisbane resident Lucinda McGrath, 27, died near Bulcock Beach, Caloundra on Sunday, January 22 after members of the public spotted her unresponsive in the water and pulled her ashore.

A Surf Life Saving Queensland spokeswoman said lifesavers and paramedics tried to revive her but she sadly died at the scene.

The Zillmere woman’s mother, Lynelle McGrath, said she was in “absolute shock”.

Ms McGrath said her free-spirited daughter who “loved the beach” was in the coastal town with a work colleague to celebrate her 28th birthday.

She said her daughter, who had one older brother Jake, was familiar with the southern part of the region, having enjoyed camping in Wurtulla until she graduated from Mount Alvernia College.

A young woman has died after an incident at Bulcock Beach on Sunday afternoon.

Ms McGrath said her caring, active daughter - who was an assistant cabinet maker - would be deeply missed and remembered for always wanting to do an activity with her mum, such as going to the gym.

“She liked to organise me,” Ms McGrath said.

An old photo of Brisbane resident Lucinda McGrath, left. Photo: Supplied.

The mother said she was full of emotions as she and her daughter’s stepdad placed a bouquet underneath a tree in Caloundra.

Lucinda’s cousin, Jennifer Moy, said she would deeply “Luca”, who she described as fun, “adventurous”, a “bit blokey” and someone who enjoyed a deep chat on the beach.

“(She) definitely loved the beach,” she said.

Ms Moy, describing her cousin as her “little sister”, said she was “devastated”.

“I (couldn’t) imagine that it’s real,” she said.