The 17-year-old girl who tragically lost her life in yesterday’s shark bite at Woorim Beach has been identified as Charlize Zmuda.

Charlize was a beloved member of the Bribie Island community, working at Pigface Seafood and attending St Columban’s College. She was soon to turn 18, embarking on the next chapter of her life, with a bright future ahead of her. Just last Friday, she celebrated her school formal, a milestone marking the end of her high school journey.

Yesterday afternoon, Charlize was swimming at Woorim Beach when she was bitten by a shark, sustaining life-threatening injuries. Her friends immediately called triple zero, and emergency services rushed to the scene, but despite their best efforts, she sadly could not be saved.

Her kind spirit, infectious smile, and love for the ocean will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Our thoughts are with Charlize’s family, friends, and the entire Bribie Island community during this heartbreaking time. As the sun set over Bribie Island last night, her loved ones gathered on the beach, grieving the loss of a beautiful soul taken too soon.