Kate Cooper, 36, plunges 80m to death in Mapleton Falls tragedy
A 36-year-old who tragically died after plunging 80m at a Sunshine Coast waterfall has been identified as a “beautiful lady” who will be missed by many.
A “beautiful lady” who tragically died after plunging 80m from a Queensland waterfall has been identified as Kate Cooper.
The 36-year-old from the Sunshine Coast fell on Friday afternoon at popular hinterland hiking spot Mapleton Falls about 90km north of Brisbane.
Photos posted on the digital creator’s social media reflect her love for the outdoors, adventure and travel.
Her partner, Simon Rosenkranz, said he was “absolutely devastated”.
“Kate was the kindest, most loving and most beautiful person I’ve ever met,” said Mr Rosenkranz.
“We had a future planned which will now never happen.
“I hope to spend the rest of my life honouring her beautiful spirit.”
Mr Rosenkranz announced her death in a heartbreaking post.
“Rest in peace my love,” he wrote.
“You were one of the most beautiful people I’ve ever met and made me feel so loved.
“I’ll miss and love you more every day and cherish the memories we made.
“Can’t believe you’re gone.
“I love you, beautiful lady.”
Shocked loved ones posted tributes with one saying how wonderful it was to meet her just a couple of weeks ago and another saying she had only just been speaking to her about the falls yesterday.
Dozens of others offered condolences and messages of support.
“So sorry for your loss Simon. I could tell how happy you made each other,” Rob Frith wrote.
Amy Thorpe remembered Kate as a “beautiful human” while another friend said “your kindness, smiles and jokes will forever resonate in our hearts. Thank you for the time you let us spend with you. You will never be forgotten.”
Emergency crews were called to the national park about 3.31pm following reports a woman had fallen.
According to the Queensland Ambulance Service, she was assessed for “significant life-threatening injuries”.
Sadly, she could not be saved.
An 18-year-old man who was with her at the time suffered minor injuries and was taken to Nambour Hospital in a stable condition.
The region had experienced torrential rain and flash flooding in the hours before as up to 200m fell and two people were struck by lightning but survived.
A safety warning on the Queensland Parks and Wildlife website warns “sheer cliffs and slippery rocks near the waterfall are hazardous … keep to the walking tracks, stay behind safety fences and follow all warning signs to avoid tragedy”.
A Queensland Fire Department spokesman said on Saturday one crew attended to help, and the matter was now in the hands of police.
A Queensland Police Service spokeswoman confirmed a report would be prepared for the coroner following the death – the third at a Sunshine Coast waterfall this year.
In January, teenagers Beau Liddell and Honor Ward were killed in a double tragedy at Wappa Falls.
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Originally published as Kate Cooper, 36, plunges 80m to death in Mapleton Falls tragedy
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