Sunshine Coast flood death: Philippa Tayler identified as Belli Park victim

The identity of a woman who was found dead in her submerged SUV in floodwaters in the Sunshine Coast hinterland has been confirmed.

The identity of a Belli Park woman whose body was found in a submerged SUV washed away by floodwaters in the Sunshine Coast hinterland has been confirmed.

Police confirmed Philippa Tayler, 63, died after her car became stuck in floodwaters on Skyring Creek Rd early Wednesday morning.

Emergency services received calls for help about 4.45am Wednesday after reports of a car trapped in floodwaters.

Rescuers were initially unable to locate the stricken car due to the flooding before the submerged Honda CRV was found about 9am with the woman’s body trapped inside.

Ms Tayler was the only person in the vehicle.

Sunshine Coast Police Superintendent Craig Hawkins described it as a “tragedy”.

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“It’s terrible not only for her family and friends but also difficult for emergency services when we are pushing this message constantly yet we still see people driving into flood waters,” Superintendent Hawkins said on Wednesday.

Ms Tayler was understood to have been a private person and Belli Park had been the most recent address for her.

Members of the tight-knit community were mourning her tragic death.

Staff members at The Hub in Carters Ridge said her death was “extremely sad”

“She was a lovely lady and was always very happy,” one staff member said.

“She was a regular at our store and always got the hot chips.

“It’s a very sad time for the community of Carters Ridge.”

On Wednesday morning Superintendent Hawkins said authorities were searching for up to 10 people who were unaccounted for after the widespread flooding event.

By the early afternoon all persons were located aside from a man whose motorbike was found in floodwaters at Greens Creek, near Gympie.

Searches were ongoing for the man on Thursday morning with a call-out made for Sunshine Coast SES personnel to assist with the search efforts.

“We are still searching for that man who we have grave concerns for,” Superintendent Hawkins said on Wednesday.

“He left home for work and never arrived,” Superintendent Hawkins said.

“His motorcycle was located in flood water at Greens Creek, near Gympie but our search is still underway to try to locate him.”