Tributes and condolences have flowed for 21-year-old Finley Bone who died after being struck by lightning at the Cooroy Sporting Complex about 5.30pm on Thursday 30 October.
Ms Bone was taken to Nambour Hospital in a critical condition but later died.
Her mother, Donna Markert, told the ABC the family was in complete shock.
“No-one can believe this happened,“ Ms Markert said.
“Fin had her life taken away in a minute.“
A talented athlete, Finley and her partner had gone to the local soccer fields to practise goal kicking when tragedy struck.
“Finley is in the prems team for the Noosa Lions Soccer Club and trained a junior squad,“ her mother said.
“Fin excelled in swimming, sprints, discus, javelin, and later in touch football and soccer at Noosa Lions.“
Tributes flowed in on social media for Finley from individuals and clubs speaking of their devastation at her loss and describing her as “a wonderful, kind and positive person, and an amazing teammate“, an “amazing and inspiring young woman“ and “a beautiful soul“.
Noosa Lions Football Club posted of its devastation at the tragic loss of Finley Bone.
“Finley was a much loved member of our FQPL3 Women’s team and a coach of our u12/13 girls,“ they said.
The Matildas posted: “Our hearts are with Finley’s family, friends, and teammates during this incredibly difficult time.
Her dedication to the sport represented everything beautiful about the game, and our thoughts are with everyone at the club.
Finley will always be part of our football family“.
On behalf of the region, Noosa Mayor Frank Wilkie offered “our heartfelt condolences“.
“This heartbreaking event has deeply saddened our community, particularly the Noosa and Cooroora football families, her team-mates and our thoughts and prayers are with all those grieving,“ he said.
Cr Wilkie said council was assisting with support services, and stood ready “to provide any assistance required to family, friends, and community organisations during this incredibly difficult time“.
Cooroy-based Cooroora United Football Club confirmed the incident occurred on its grounds.
“Out of privacy for those directly impacted, it is not yet appropriate to share details of the incident,“ the club said in a statement.
“It is appropriate to share that those in and around the grounds, including both members and emergency services, showed admirable action, respect and care for each other.“
The club has asked for patience as the community navigates the aftermath of the tragedy and urged members to maintain a supportive environment for those affected.
All football activities at the club were suspended until further notice.
Ms Markert said the close-knit family including Finley’s older brothers and sister, nephews, aunties and uncles would be spending time together.
She expressed her gratitude to first responders.
“Our heartfelt thanks to the emergency team who responded in minutes, and the ED at Nambour Hospital,“ she said.
“They gave us next-level care.“
Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) senior operations supervisor Danielle Williams told the ABC bystanders and paramedics worked extensively to try to resuscitate Ms Bone.
“It was a very challenging scene because the storm was still happening when we arrived,“ she said.
“These scenes are always traumatic for the people at the scene as well as our emergency services personnel … our hearts go out to the community.“
Ms Williams said it was a timely reminder for people to take shelter during the “unpredictable storms“.
Queensland Police said a report would be prepared for the coroner.
