Tributes flow in after woman’s body discovered in bushland

Tributes are flowing for Bridget Flack, a “fierce” woman who loved her community, writing and the outdoors.

An army of volunteers searched for missing woman Bridget Flack before she was sadly discovered deceased last Friday. Source: Victoria Police

After almost two weeks of searching a Melbourne family has received devastating news their loved one was found dead in bushland.

The family and friends of Bridget Flack rallied after the 28-year-old went missing on November 30.

The 28-year old was last seen in Carlton on Lygon St about 10.30am on Monday where she told friends she was going for a walk at Yarra Bend Park.

She made contact later that day and phoned to say she was on her way home but family and friends had not heard from her since.

Hundreds of volunteers, mostly strangers to Bridget and her family, began searching Yarra Bend Park, her last known location last Tuesday, nine days since her disappearance.

Police conducted air and water searcher last week while a small army of volunteers began a Facebook group to co-ordinate ground search efforts.

Her body was located in bushland at Willsmere-Chandler Park on Friday afternoon in Kew East.

Bridget will be remembered as a fierce friend, sister and member of the queer community who cared deeply for those around her and enjoyed walking and writing.

Bridget’s sister Angela Pucci Love on behalf of the family told The Melbourne City News she was thankful for all volunteer efforts to find her sister who will be missed every day.

“I’ve never witnessed such community support, it’s mind-blowing how many amazing people there are who (wanted) to help,” she said.

“Bridget’s family are forever indebted to you all for the love and support that you have shown us.

“This network of amazing people ultimately lead us to finding our beautiful girl and in turn meant we can put her beautiful body and soul to rest, and we too can begin to heal.”

Ms Pucci Love said Bridget’s legacy would be “just as fierce as she was”.

“I will make it my life’s ambition to carry it on, in a way that I hope she would have wanted,” she said.

“No one on this earth deserves to feel less than worthy of an amazing life. Everyone is so precious and I sincerely wish that we, as humans could just love and be kind to one another, differences and all.

“I will always adore her with every fibre of my being and will miss her every day. I will make sure that her niece, my daughter, always knows about Aunty Bridget and how special she was.”

An active volunteer in the bushland search was Bridget Harilaou who said Bridget’s passion for social justice would continue and the loss would be felt deeply.

“Bridget was loved and cherished, by family, friends and all the communities she was a part of,” they said.

“Her loss is felt deeply as well by those who searched for her and the trans community.

“I am so honoured to have been a small part of the strength, resilience and love of the community that ensured Bridget was laid to rest with the respect she deserved.

“As marginalised communities often have to do in the face of systemic oppression, we must mourn the dead, and fight like hell for the living.

“Justice will continue to drive us, and Bridget’s spirit of social justice will live on in all those touched by her life and the collective experience of finding her.”

Her friends said she was a creative person who was adored by her co-workers and always enjoyed going on long walks.

The exact circumstances surrounding the death have not been established but police are not treating it as suspicious and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health and at risk of suicide contact a support service immediately.

Call Lifeline on 13 11 14, the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467, Headspace on 1800 650 890, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.