Hundreds gather to pay respects to 17-year-old Charlize Zmuda killed in Bribie shark attack
Family and friends of the tight knit Bribie Island community have gathered for a vigil for shark attack victim Charlize Zmuda led by a touching green and yellow balloon tribute.
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Hundreds of people have gathered at Bribie Island for a vigil to honour 17-year-old shark attack victim Charlize Zmuda.
Charlize was swimming off Woorim Beach near Rickman Pde when she was fatally attacked by the shark about 4.45pm on Monday.
The teen was well known in the community and was a member of the Bribie Island Surf Life Saving Club and is believed to have been with friends when the incident occurred.
Dozens carried large colourful bouquets of flowers ready to laid at the vigil and bright green and yellow balloons were taken down to the beach.
About 200 people including amilies and friends stood together in silence gazing towards the water with the beach entrance fence was lined with bouquets and candles.
As the vigil began, the community drew in closer on the beach, surrounding the heartbroken family of Charlize Zmuda.
Close family members huddled together, taking turns sharing stories and saying heartfelt words about the 17-year-old.
Steve Zmuda, Charlize’s father, led the group up towards the beach’s entrance holding a candle as family trickled in around him.
The community watched on in silence as the Charlize’s family shared longing hugs and tears.
The family then let dozens of bright green and yellow balloons go into the air to honour Charlize’s life.
Surf life saving club members and friends of Charlize lined up along the water’s edge to throw flowers into the water.
Dozens of tributes, flowers and candles were laid along the sand dunes after the vigil.
As the sky grew darker, locals stood beside each other in silence to remember Charlize.
Earlier, Charlize’s parents Renee and Steven Zmuda described her as a “shining light who touched everyone she met”.
“She loved the beach and it truly was her happiest place on earth,” Ms Zmuda said in a statement.
Mr Zmuda also revealed an incredible selfless act saying that he wanted beach goers to “feel confident and safe in the water”.
“Something that my wife and I want to say is: we don’t want people to stop coming to the beach and enjoying our beach,” Mr Zmuda said.
“It’s a big part of our lives.
“We’ve got family here … the community ... and we love everybody here, so please still come to the beach and enjoy the surrounds of every beach up and down the coast.”
Originally published as Hundreds gather to pay respects to 17-year-old Charlize Zmuda killed in Bribie shark attack
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