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Tributes flow after Sunshine Coast woman Crystal Beale found dead in Brisbane River

A Noosa man has revealed plans for his beloved sister’s ashes as police continue to investigate her possible murder.

Police have released CCTV of Crystal Beale from the night of Friday, February 21 at a restaurant in Sunnybank. Photos of Crystal Beale, provided by her family, have also been released for media use. Picture: NewsWire Handout via QPM
Police have released CCTV of Crystal Beale from the night of Friday, February 21 at a restaurant in Sunnybank. Photos of Crystal Beale, provided by her family, have also been released for media use. Picture: NewsWire Handout via QPM

A Noosa man has revealed plans for his beloved sister’s funeral and ashes, as he begs for information on her last movements while police investigate her death after her body was found in the Brisbane River last month.

Brisbane Police are investigating the possible murder of Sunshine Coast woman Crystal Beale, 49, after her body was found in the Brisbane River last month following a dinner with family and a former partner.

She was a mother of two.

The grim discovery was made by a member of the public at Yeronga about 5.40am on February 22.

At the time, police said an initial investigation suggested the woman’s death was non-suspicious.

Crystal Beale.
Crystal Beale.

At a media conference last Wednesday, Detective Acting Inspector Rod Watts said police were looking into whether it was a murder.

Her brother Morgan Scholes is asking for anyone with information to come forward.

“Please share this around to help solve (possible) Crystal Beale homicide,” he said.

“If you know anyone in the West End area that could have CCTV footage around where the police have mentioned.

“It’s really important that we act on this quickly!”

Tributes flow after Sunshine Coast woman Crystal Beale found dead in Brisbane River. Picture: GoFundMe
Tributes flow after Sunshine Coast woman Crystal Beale found dead in Brisbane River. Picture: GoFundMe

Two days after his beloved sister’s body was found Mr Scholes also shared a photo of them from when they were younger.

Now, he’s launched a GoFundMe campaign revealing his heart-wrenching plans for her funeral and ashes.

“This is to fund the wake and memorial of Crystal Beale and give her friends and family the proper send-off that they need,” Mr Scholes said.

“This fund will pay for a wake at the Sunshine Beach Surf Club where Crystal grew up going to the beach and events with her family and friends over the 49 years she graced this earth.

“This fund will also pay for two sets of jewellery that will contain Crystal’s ashes which will be given to her two children.

“Please help where you can … thank you.”

A young Morgan Scholes and Crystal Beale. Picture: Facebook/Morgan Scholes.
A young Morgan Scholes and Crystal Beale. Picture: Facebook/Morgan Scholes.

Ms Beale’s daughter Charlie-Rose Wagner also shared a Facebook post asking for help.

“My family and I are desperate for answers regarding my mother’s passing,” she said.

“Please if anyone was in Brisbane the weekend of February 21 in the West End area please try and remember anything.”

Detective Acting Inspector Watts said police had interviewed her family, friends and former partner but did not have any persons of interest in custody.

“We know that she was at Sunnybank with her family and friends a few hours prior to going missing, and then she’s gone to West End, where she’s last seen, and we don’t know where she’s gone into the river, or how she’s gone into the river,” he said.

Insp Watts said a post-mortem investigation had not identified a cause of death but police don’t believe she died under natural circumstances.

CCTV collected in the West End area on the night of Friday, February 21, was also being examined.

Police are investigating Crystal Beale’s death. Picture: NewsWire Handout via QPM
Police are investigating Crystal Beale’s death. Picture: NewsWire Handout via QPM

Following the tragic news of Ms Beale’s death those who knew her took to social media to share their tributes.

Alison Courtice knew Ms Beale from their children’s school.

“I live in Windsor and am a friend of Crystal’s since our kids went to primary school together,” she said.

“I only found out we have lost her when I saw the police post today and recognised her photo.

Police have released CCTV of Crystal Beale from the night of Friday, February 21 at a restaurant in Sunnybank. Picture: NewsWire Handout via QPM
Police have released CCTV of Crystal Beale from the night of Friday, February 21 at a restaurant in Sunnybank. Picture: NewsWire Handout via QPM

“Devastated to find out today that my beautiful friend Crystal Beale has died and police are seeking information from the public.

“Her brother wants this post shared to help the investigation. Please take the time to read it and share the QPS post.”

“While I’m still at a loss to process let alone accept the passing of my dear friend Crystal I am pleading for anyone in West End with info to come forward,” Tripti Z VH said.

“Most wonderful soul has left us.”

Inspector Watts appealed to anyone who may have been in the area between 9.30pm on Friday February 21 and 1am the following morning and has seen Crystal or any suspicious behaviour to come forward.

“As this is an ongoing investigation, police are limited in what details we can disclose, but we are confident people saw Crystal on the night and they have information that will assist with our inquiries.

“We are urging anyone with any information, no matter how small, to contact police.”

A friend of Ms Beale’s, from Noosa, said the news of the police investigation had hit their small community hard.

“She was well loved and well known,” he said.

“She was a lovely chick and her family has lived near Noosa forever. She’s been here her whole life.

“She was the life of the party and friends with everyone.

“She had a heart of gold.”

An investigation into Ms Beale’s death continues.

Originally published as Tributes flow after Sunshine Coast woman Crystal Beale found dead in Brisbane River

Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/news/queensland/tributes-flow-after-sunshine-coast-woman-crystal-beale-found-dead-in-brisbane-river/news-story/1464dc0186d5eec193337c0eaf4f753a