Boxing Day stormwater victim Tanya Frankcom-Hehir’s funeral announced

The family of one of two women who drowned in the Mary River following a sudden stormwater surge say the “beautiful” community-minded mum will “never be forgotten” as they prepare for her funeral. DETAILS.

The family of Tanya Frankcom-Hehir, who was one of two women drowned in a Boxing Day stormwater drain tragedy at the Mary River, has been remembered by her family in a touching tribute as community support for the family continues to grow. Picture: Patrick Woods/Gympie Times

The family of Tanya Frankcom-Hehir has remembered the 46-year-old as “the most amazing mother and daughter” following her shock death on Boxing Day in the Mary River at Gympie.

Ms Frankcom-Hehir, along with fellow keen hiker, 40-year-old mother Helen Bradford, drowned when a severe storm cell crossed the region about 2.30pm while they were exploring a stormwater drain which ran into the river from under the city.

A third woman, 46-year-old Kerry-Ann Nugent, was the sole survivor after the trio were washed back into the river by a surge of stormwater.

Ms Nugent raised the alarm, sparking a desperate search for her friends which ended in tragedy.

On Thursday, the family of Ms Frankcom-Hehir paid tribute to her ahead of her upcoming funeral.

“She was the most amazing mother and daughter,” her father Ralph Frankcom said in a statement.

“Beautiful sister to her brother.

“Always jovial, friendly, laughing, always put her hand up to help, good organiser, will never be forgotten.”

Kerry-Ann Nugent, Tanya Frankcom-Hehir and Helen Bradford were exploring a well-known stormwater drain at Gympie known by locals as “the love tunnel” on Boxing Day when a severe storm struck the city. Ms Frankcom-Hehir and Ms Bradford tragically drowned when they were washed back out to the Mary River.

Community tributes to Ms Frankcom-Hehir also continue to grow on the Gympie Funerals website where her service is listed.

“Tanya was a beautiful soul, her bubbly happy nature was infectious,” a post from Michelle and Kevin Liddicoat read

“Such a caring fun-loving adventurous lady,” Debra (no surname provided) wrote.

Gympie Hash House Harrier members Ralph Frankcom and Tanya Frankcom-Hehir. Picture: Tanya Easterby/The Gympie Times

“We will remember Tanya’s beautiful smile, zest for adventure, the profound love and dedication to her children and the many conversations over a hot chocolate / coffee that covered every topic,” Angela and Kaine Ernst wrote.

“We hope that there is comfort and strength drawn from the memories of the incredible life that Tanya lived.”

The tributes join an enormous outpouring of grief and support on social media where hundreds of thoughts, memories and condolences were posted following the tragedy.

Tanya Frankcom-Hehir flies past the 1470m mark. Picture: Craig Warhurst/The Gympie Times

In the days following the tragedy Ms Nugent shared on her own Facebook page an image of the three women, who shared a passion for outdoor adventure, running and hiking.

The post drew hundreds of comments in support.

Ms Frankcom-Hehir’s funeral will be held at Gympie Funeral Home Chapel on Wednesday, January 10, at 10am.

Originally published as Boxing Day stormwater victim Tanya Frankcom-Hehir’s funeral announced