Esther Etoka death: Tributes flow for Brisbane teen following her sudden death on the Sunshine Coast

A dearly loved teenager is being remembered by community members in the wake of her sudden and tragic death on the Sunshine Coast.

Community members are remembering a 16-year-old Brisbane schoolgirl’s “wonderful heart” and a smile that could light up a room, following her sudden death on the Sunshine Coast.

Yeronga State High School student Esther Etoka died at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital on July 20, 2022.

A spokesman for a church she used to attend, the Place of Peace Church of the Nazarene in Inala, said the teen was dearly loved by its community.

He said Esther’s smile lit up the room and she was always keen to help and serve even after her family stopped going to the church.

“We are sorrowful to hear of her passing,” the spokesman said.

“She was a beautiful girl with a wonderful heart.”

Family friend Jeanny Rob Mmangyo also said Esther was a “beautiful” girl and a hard worker.

“She was helping us a lot, helping us with appointments, she’d get whatever you need, helping other kids,” she said.

A GoFundMe page was set up in the wake of the teen’s death and has so far raised nearly $13,000 to go towards funeral costs.

The page creator, Clare Mauba, described Esther as a “beautiful and compassionate young lady” who was loved by her family, friends and community.

“Esther’s family would like to request your assistance in raising funds to assist the family with funeral costs, incurred by her sudden death,” she said on the website.

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She also stated that Esther passed away suddenly and the cause of her death was unknown and police were investigating.

Sunshine Coast Child Protection Investigation Unit acting officer-in-charge Grant Gleeson said police were conducting a coronial investigation into the death of a 16-year-old girl.

He said she died at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital but was unable to confirm any other details about her death.

The police officer said it was a tragic incident for the family.

“We’ll forward a report to the coroner once the investigation is complete,” Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Gleeson said.

To see the GoFundMe page, search for Esther Etoka.