Tributes after missing woman Joanne Johnston tragically found dead at Toormina on Coffs Coast, northern NSW
“Rest easy in the Dreamtime”: Tributes are flowing from a heartbroken community after a woman reported missing was found dead on the Coffs Coast.
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Note: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised the following article contains an image of a deceased person.
Heartbreak has rippled through the Coffs Coast community after police revealed a woman reported missing since Tuesday had tragically been found dead.
Joanne Johnston, 33, was last seen alive in the Coffs Harbour suburb of Toormina about 10.30pm on Tuesday, September 3. She disappeared and could not be contacted.
“About 12pm today, the body of a woman was found in Toormina,” NSW Police declared in a statement just before 4pm on Sunday.
“While it is yet to be formally identified, the body is believed to be that of the missing woman.”
Coffs/Clarence Police District officers were informed Ms Johnston was missing on Friday, it's stated, and “immediately” launched an investigation.
Initial inquiries by police indicate Ms Johnston’s death is not suspicious in nature.
A report will be prepared for the Coroner.
Meanwhile, tributes have flowed on Facebook after police took to the platform to announce the grim find.
“Rest easy in the Dreamtime lovely,” one woman wrote.
“You’re home now out of pain. My deepest sympathies to your loved ones. S️o very young, gone too soon and bless you.”
Another woman offered best wishes to Ms Johnston’s loved ones: “That’s heartbreaking. May this lady RIP. Condolences to her family and friends.”
One woman offered her “condolences to family and all mob (community)”.
“RIP sweetheart. Fly high,” she said.
Before the discovery, one woman pleaded: “Joanne hunny, please contact someone.”
Police said as they appealed for help to find Ms Johnston that family members held “serious concerns for her welfare”.
Ms Johnston was described as of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, last seen wearing a black jumper and black pants and police said she was known to frequent the Toormina, Boambee East, Coffs Harbour and Sawtell areas.
Ms Johnston had tattoos of the word “mum” on her left hand, police said. She also had a turtle tattoo on her right leg and a skull with the word “love” on her left ankle.
Police have urged anyone with information to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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