Grieving daughter’s touching tribute to Ingham flood victim Jessie Billy

The daughter of a woman who tragically lost her life when a rescue boat capsized in floodwaters in Ingham has remembered her as a woman full of “warmth” and “endless love.”

Jessie Billy, 63, tragically died after a rescue boat hit a tree while travelling through flood waters in Ingham. Picture:Facebook/Littiah Billy

The daughter of a woman who tragically lost her life when a rescue boat capsized in floodwaters in Ingham has remembered her as a woman full of “warmth” and “endless love.”

Jessie Billy, 63, died after a State Emergency Service (SES) vessel struck a tree and flipped while navigating floodwaters in Ingham on Sunday, February 2.

The SES boat was assisting members of the public at Rutledge Street when the tragic accident occurred around 9.20am.

The vessel was carrying six people, including SES volunteers and civilians.

A bystander was able to rescue five passengers from the water, none of whom sustained serious injuries.

However, a short time later, the body of the sixth passenger, a 63-year-old woman, was found nearby.

Her grief-stricken daughter, Littiah Billy, publicly shared a heartfelt tribute on social media over the weekend.

“I will miss her warmth, her wisdom, and her endless love every single day. Rest easy, mum,” she wrote.

Littiah Billy with her mum Jessie Billy. Picture: Facebook/Littiah Billy

She also posted a public notice regarding funeral arrangements, stating, “Funeral arrangements and further details will be announced in due time. We are grateful for your understanding, compassion, and support as we navigate this difficult period. In this time of deep loss, we ask family and friends to allow us to have the space and time to mourn.”

In the wake of the tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help raise funds to return the beloved mum to the Torres Strait, where she will be laid to rest.

“A heartbreaking loss has shaken our community,” fundraiser organiser Josh Solomon said.

“We are raising $18,000 to cover the transportation costs of returning loved ones who have been tragically lost during the floods to the Torres Strait, so they can rest in their homeland.

“For Torres Strait Islanders, home is more than a place. It’s where their ancestors are, where their spirit belongs. Every dollar raised will go directly towards covering the costs of bringing them home and supporting their family during this difficult time.”

You can help here: https://gofund.me/a559dd1b

Originally published as Grieving daughter’s touching tribute to Ingham flood victim Jessie Billy