TRIBUTES have poured in for the much-loved local learning support teacher Kylie Allen, who died after sustaining life-threatening injuries in a house fire on Sunday night.
Emergency services were called to the Greenoaks Drive home at about 10.30pm after neighbours tried to save the 44-year-old.
Ms Allen was rushed to Nambour Hospital but later died from her injuries.
Flower tributes have been placed in front of the teacher’s home and Coolum State School principal Pat Cavanagh released a statement praising Ms Allen’s work ethic, saying she had been an integral part of the school for nine years.
“Kylie was a professional in all she did, generous in her time and sharing of knowledge, helpful to all her colleagues and above all dedicated to improving the learning opportunities of her students,” he said.
“Kylie’s work ethos and the effort she put into her students was outstanding. This is a terrible tragedy for the Allen family, Coolum State School and the Coolum community. We are deeply saddened by the event.“
Neighbour Alan Lawry has been hailed a hero after he raced into the burning home to pull an unconscious Ms Allen from the flames.
Mr Lawry put the teacher in the recovery position until emergency services arrived.
Police are yet to determine the cause of the fire and urge anyone with information to please phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
