What a tragedy’: Tributes flow for ‘beautiful’ Gold Coast teen Tallulah Hoffs

A dolphin and butterflies joined mourners for a paddle out ceremony to farewell a nature-loving teen who was taken too soon

A dolphin and butterflies joined mourners for a paddle out ceremony to farewell a nature-loving teen who was taken too soon.

Devastated Currumbin residents paid tribute to 16-year-old Tallulah ‘Loo” Hoffs who died last month.

Family friend Christie De Filippis described Loo as a “down to earth” girl who loved nature.

“She was quiet, but bubbly,” Ms De Filippis said.

Tallulah “Loo Loo” Hoffs died last month. Picture: supplied

“She was a beautiful soul. Everything about her was gentle.”

About 100 people took part in a minute’s silence, along with a paddle past from Currumbin Dragonboats and a speech from the teen’s distraught dad Leo.

“It was very moving and heartfelt,” Ms De Filippis said.

“It was spiritual in a sense too because she grew up on Currumbin Creek and when we were talking about butterflies, a butterfly flew past.

“As they were paddling out they saw a dolphin - Leo thought that was pretty special.”

The community has rallied around Loo’s family - including dad Leo, mum Alicia and younger sister Holly - in the weeks since the teen’s death.

More than $3500 has been raised through a GoFundMe page to provide therapy and financial support for the family.

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DECEMBER 9:

Heartbroken friends and family of a popular Currumbin teenager are calling for more support services after her tragic death rocked their tight-knit community.

Sixteen-year-old Tallulah “Loo Loo” Hoffs has been remembered as a “happy” kid and “gorgeous daughter” of well known local Leo Hoffs, who runs Currumbin Boatshed Bait and Tackle.

Tallulah ’Loo Loo’ Hoffs with her dad Leo. Picture: Supplied

Picture: Supplied

“She was a happy, beautiful kid,” Mr Hoffs’ friend Brett Carnell said.

“Leo was such a dedicated dad.

“What a tragedy.”

Family friend Christie De Filippis has started an online fundraiser for Loo Loo’s distraught family.

Ms De Filippis said more needed to be done to support young people.

“The system needs to change to help these kids,” she said.

“The family also want to use this tragedy in the hope to, if not anything, but to raise awareness for youth suicide, and how the system should never turn away a minor if they are breaking down in a hospital crying for help.

“Severe depression in anyone is hard let alone in a teenager who was fighting those demons since a small girl.”

Tallulah died last month. Picture: Supplied

The shattered Currumbin community will pay tribute to Loo Loo during a paddle out ceremony this Saturday from 7am, meeting at the Boatshed.

The event has been organised by Mr Carnell, who started the Beaches Social Group 18 months ago with the aim of bringing together isolated community members.

After the paddle out, the Currumbin Dragonboats will do a paddle past and salute in memory, before community members release frangipanis into the water.

Tallulah on the beach as a kid. Picture: Supplied

“When I heard about the loss of Loo Loo, as a father myself, I was absolutely crushed,” Mr Carnell said.

“All Leo wants is for the community to come together and support one another.

“We want to support Leo, his family and everyone to prevent these tragedies.”

More than $2800 has been raised through the GoFundMe page to provide therapy and financial support for the Hoffs family. To donate, visit here.

Follow @Melwhiting

Originally published as What a tragedy’: Tributes flow for ‘beautiful’ Gold Coast teen Tallulah Hoffs