More than $46,000 has been raised within 24 hours to support the family of shark attack victim Charlize Zmuda through the tragedy.
Charlize, 17, died in a shark attack at Bribie Island, an hour and a half drive south of Noosa.
Queensland Ambulance Service paramedics assessed the teenager for life-threatening upper body injuries at Woorim Beach at 4.45pm on Monday 3 February, but she was unable to be saved.
The fundraiser has been organised by Caboolture resident Emily Hall, who describes Charlize as a volunteer surf lifesaver, a singer, an adventurer, a nipper, a racer, a grade 12 student, a daughter, a sister, and a friend.
A vigil was held at Woorim Beach on Tuesday evening, with the community gathering to show their support for Charlize’s family and friends.
Her father, Steven Zmuda, spoke to the media earlier on Tuesday to pay tribute to his daughter.
“Charlize was a member of our club since she was eight years old,” Mr Zmuda said.
“She was a dedicated lifesaver who wanted to only the best for our club and for all of our community.
“When I got the tragic news yesterday, I was extremely gutted.
“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.
“It’s a big part of our lives, we’ve got our family here, our 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.”
Surf Life Saving Queensland chief executive Dave Whimpey showed support to her family as he said, “She was a highly skilled lifesaver and she spent her time looking after Queenslanders.”
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said he is “deeply saddened” by the girl’s death.
“It is one of the most horrific things. A young woman with her life ahead of her, active, healthy, out and about. That community is really going to feel it. On behalf of all of the state we send our deepest sympathies to her family,” he told Sunrise.
Emily described Charlize on her fundraiser site as, “Kind, funny, charming, beautiful, smart, loving, cheeky, brave, strong.”
“There are so many words, yet none truly describe Charlize. She lived for the beach; it was her home.
“Charlize passed away on Woorim beach. Her beach, the same beach she patrols, camps, surfs and swims with her family, club and best friends.
“Cha cha we love you.
“We appreciate anything you donate; nothing is too small. It will all be going to her family to support them through this tragedy.”
To donate visit gofund.me/6714d7a7
The species of shark has not been identified. Police will prepare a report for the coroner.
