St Brendan’s College staff member tragically passes away at school

The principal of a prestigious Qld private school has delivered a heartfelt message after the campus was rocked by the death of a beloved worker on Friday.

Police and paramedics have attended a quiet coastal road in Yeppoon this morning where a woman suddenly died.

A “much loved” staff member of prestigious Central Queensland all-boys’ private school St Brendan’s College has tragically passed away on campus.

It’s understood Tanya Carr was not on the teaching staff but worked as a cleaner at the elite school which has a closeknit community and famously turned out some of the state’s best-known rugby league stars.

Emergency services rushed to the school on Adelaide Park Rd in Yeppoon near Rockhampton after receiving a call at 8.15am Friday.

St Brendan’s College parents dropping off their children were shocked to see police and paramedics at the school following the tragedy.

The devastated principal, Robert Corboy has since written a heartbreaking letter to the school community confirming the woman’s passing on Friday morning.

“It is with a heavy heart that I inform you of the passing of our colleague and friend Tanya Carr who passed away following a medical incident at the College this morning,” he wrote.

“Tanya was a much loved and valued member of our cleaning team and will be dearly missed.

We ask you all to pray for the repose of Tanya’s soul.”

The principal told parents he knew many staff and students would be struggling with the news.

“As the news of this tragedy reaches across our student community, you may be concerned with your son’s reaction, or expressions of feelings about this traumatic incident,” the letter read.

“Many students will wish to talk to their parents, so we encourage you to let your sons know that you are aware of the incident and listen to his concerns.

“Staying connected and engaged with your son is one of the best ways to support him.

“St Brendan’s will be concentrating on supporting our staff and students over the coming weeks.

“As part of that support, we have opened the College Chapel behind CPAC for members of our community to access a quiet sacred place during that time.

“We also have our College counsellors available to support staff, students or family.”

Mr Corboy asked that everyone keep Tanya’s family in their thoughts and prayers at this “difficult time”.

“Eternal rest grant unto Tanya, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace,” he wrote.

A Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) spokeswoman said the patient suffered a medical episode.

Originally published as St Brendan’s College staff member tragically passes away at school