Jaimi Kenny death: Inside her long battle with eating disorder

Jaimi Kenny, who privately battled an eating disorder, was just three years ago celebrating with her best friend, who praised her for “beating the odds”.

Just three years after one of Jaimi Kenny’s closest friends celebrated her “beating the odds” and making it to her 30th birthday, the beloved daughter of former Olympians Lisa Curry and Grant Kenny tragically died.

The couple announced the devastating news about their 33-year-old daughter in a joint statement last night, revealing Jaimi had died in hospital following a battle with a “long term illness”.

News.com.au understands Jaimi was privately battling an eating disorder and being cared for by Sunshine Coast private clinic End ED.

In a heartbreaking Instagram post this morning, Ms Curry thanked the staff at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital.

“We thank all the paramedics, support staff and the incredible team at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital for their tireless commitment to give us the extra time we were able to spend with Jaimi,” she said.

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Jaimi tragically died in hospital yesterday.

Lisa Curry with Jaimi in 2002.

Hundreds of people have taken to social media to pay tribute to Jaimi, including her best friend Millie Thomas.

Ms Thomas, who works as an eating disorder recovery coach at End ED on the Sunshine Coast, was incredibly close with Jaimi over the years.

On Jaimi’s 30th birthday, Ms Thomas posted a stunning photo of her friend, praising her for being a fighter who “beat the odds”.

“Together forever Mills xxx,” Jaimi replied.

The End ED clinic told news.com.au it was respecting the family’s privacy but said Ms Kenny had an “extremely close” relationship with Ms Thomas.

In a separate post today, Ms Thomas paid tribute to her friend on Instagram.

“My heart is shattered into a million pieces right now – I can’t fathom life without you,” she wrote.

“My days will never ever be the same without your love, your light + your laughter.

You mean the world to me darling heart + I will love you forever and always.”

Friends and family continue to pay tribute to Jaimi with hundreds taking to social media to mourn her loss.

Her younger brother Jett mourned his sister saying “the world lost one of its treasures yesterday but heaven gained one”.

His Instagram post, which has been liked by thousands of people, was deeply personal.

“I may not have been the best brother to you all the time, I know you thought you weren’t being the big sister I needed all the time, but I do know we loved one another unconditionally all the time,” he wrote.

Ms Curry took to Instagram this morning, saying she could “barely breathe” after losing her daughter.

“Our hearts are completely broken,” she wrote. “Our beautiful daughter Jaimi has lost her battle with a long-term illness and passed away peacefully in hospital yesterday morning with her loving family by her side.

“So loved. So beautiful. So kind to everyone … So painful. I can barely breathe.

“Jaimi will forever be remembered as a caring, bright and loving soul who always put others before herself. Her love of flowers, cooking, art, decorating, photography, babies, the beach, and helping others will always be remembered.

“Our hearts are broken and the pain is unbearable but we cherish every wonderful moment we got to share with our treasured and so loved first child.”

Lisa Curry pictured with her children Morgan (from left), Jett and Jaimi.

Mr Kenny’s sister and Jaimi’s aunt Melinda also paid tribute to her niece.

“I am utterly devastated to tell you all that my most beloved niece JK passed away this morning,” Melinda wrote.

“Words can’t express what she meant to me, the one who shared my love of fashion & styling. The one who thought I was cool in my fifties. The one I laughed with & the one who started my Instagram account for me.

“She was a gem & I loved her deeply as we all did.”

Ms Curry used Instagram to celebrate her daughter’s birthday each year, posting a heartwarming tribute for her 33rd birthday on June 25.

And a year ago, Ms Curry celebrated her 32nd birthday with a number of intimate photos.

If you or anyone you know need help or support for an eating disorder or concerns about body image, please call Butterfly Foundation National Helpline on 1800 334 673 (ED HOPE).