Sonya Sullivan: Tributes for Froggies Beach drowning victim as tragic details revealed

A beloved mum, who drowned at a southern Gold Coast beach in front of her children, is being hailed a hero as new details about what led up to the tragedy are revealed.

A beloved mum who drowned at a southern Gold Coast beach in front of her children is being hailed a hero as new details about what led up to the tragedy are revealed.

Redbank Plains woman Sonya Sullivan, also known by the last name Knyf, got into trouble in dangerous surf at Froggies Beach about 3.15pm on April 30.

A witness to the drowning said it appeared the woman was holding up a teenager – who was saved – before she went limp and disappeared under the water.

Drowning victim Sonya Sullivan

An online fundraising page set up by Kristy Clancy on behalf of Ms Sullivan’s family said the 51-year-old was walking on rocks just moments before the “tragic sudden accident”.

“She slipped on some rocks into the ocean and was caught in a rip, being dragged and smashed back into the rocks,” Ms Clancy wrote on the fundraising page.

“Her teen daughter jumped in to try and save her mother and her son was also injured, but he ran to get help from someone.

“Unfortunately Sonya did not survive.”

Scene of a fatal drowning at Froggies Beach, Rainbow Bay on the Gold Coast. Picture: 9 News Gold Coast,

Ms Clancy thanked nearby good Samaritans on the beach who desperately tried to save Ms Sullivan.

“We all appreciate and respect the other persons at a nearby party who bravely jumped into the dangerous waters to save Sonya’s young daughter … and although their valiant efforts were unsuccessful in saving our dear Sonya, we love and appreciate the fact they were so brave and wonderful heroes that traumatising day,” she wrote.

Ms Sullivan was described as a “wonderful soul” and a “dear friend, mother, sister, daughter and aunt” who “loved dancing”.

Froggies Beach. Picture: John Gass

Ms Clancy said Ms Sullivan was a dedicated mum who had only celebrated her 51st birthday a month before the tragedy.

“Sonya struggled for many years trying to get pregnant before finally having her children who had always been her number one priority,” she said.

“Sonya always made sure to keep a safe and loving home for her children.

“She had some health complications which prevented her from having long term employment. “She always made sure her kids had everything they needed and loved them more than anything.”

According to the fundraising page, all donations would go towards funeral expenses and the ongoing care of Ms Sullivan’s children and animals.

“Even if you cannot financially support the cause, please share this so we can help ensure the devastated children can have a safe, stable environment to function as well as they can,” Ms Clancy said.

“Every cent counts and is very much welcome.”

More than $7000 has already been raised.