Sammy Waugh tribute: Tragedy as popular surfer dies in her sleep

A family who has tragically lost several members of their tribe is mourning a popular surfer who died suddenly in her sleep

Sammy Waugh. Photos: Supplied

Tributes are flowing for a beloved Sunshine Coast surfer Sammy Waugh, after she died suddenly in her sleep.

Ms Waugh, 47, was well-known within the Caloundra community as a passionate surfer, skater, environmentalist, music lover and community-minded person.

Long-time friend Cassandra Bauer said Ms Waugh’s housemates made the heartbreaking discovery after Ms Waugh failed to get out of bed.

Ms Bauer said it was not uncommon for her to sleep in, but the housemates decided to check on her the evening of February 7.

Hospital tests later revealed Ms Waugh had an undiagnosed heart condition and had a heart attack in her sleep.

Sammy Waugh. Photos: Supplied

Ms Bauer said Ms Waugh’s family had been plagued with tragedy in recent years, having lost both of her parents and a cousin to health complications.

She described Ms Waugh as a “vibrant” and “beautiful” woman who never judged anyone and was “always giving”.

Ms Bauer said Ms Waugh was “very active” and a passionate skateboarder and surfer.

She taught Ms Bauer to surf.

WindanSea Boardriders Surf Club shared a photo of an archived meeting minutes on Facebook on February 13 sharing the moment Ms Waugh, as a teenager, won the senior men’s competition in 1995.

Sammy Waugh. Photos: Supplied

“Sammy will never be forgotten in the WindanSea Surf Club,” the post read.

“They broke the mould when she was born. There was only one Sam Waugh. RIP young lady.”

Ms Bauer said one of her favourite memories with Ms Waugh was when they went camping in Cedar Creek and Ms Waugh took it upon herself to try and remove harmful weeds which were damaging the surrounding forest. She even tried to rally a group of volunteers to help her cause.

But above all, Ms Bauer said Ms Waugh cared for everyone around her.

“If she had anything, she would give it to others before herself,” she said.

Sammy Waugh (right) with friend of 17 years Cassandra Bauer (left). Photos: Supplied

This statement rang so true, Ms Waugh did not have enough to her name to help pay for a funeral, Ms Bauer said.

Ms Bauer then started a GoFundMe, on Ms Waugh’s surviving brother’s request, on February 10, which at the time of publishing has reached $8000 of its $10,000 goal.

Ms Bauer said she never expected to raise so much money in such a short period of time, but every person who donated knew Ms Waugh personally.

Ms Bauer and Ms Waugh’s brother are working towards applying for a plaque to be installed at Moffat Beach in Ms Waugh’s honour.

A memorial for Ms Waugh will be held on Saturday, March 2 at Moffat Beach, with an early morning paddle out and a wake at the Currimundi Hotel afterwards.

Originally published as Sammy Waugh tribute: Tragedy as popular surfer dies in her sleep