Family members and friends have paid tribute to the sister of MacLeod’s Daughters star Simmone Jade Mackinnon after she was tragically found dead.
Mackinnon took to social media on Sunday appealing for help in locating her 51-year-old sister Kym, who was last seen on Guanaba Rd at Tamborine Mountain in the Gold Coast hinterland, Queensland.
Police confirmed Kym’s body was found on Monday, adding the death is not being considered suspicious and that there “is no further information at this time”.
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The tragic update led to a number of social media posts from loved ones paying tribute to Kym, including her daughter Rayne Johnsen.
“To my dear mum, Thank you for raising me, teaching me discipline and diligence, driving me to dancing Monday to Friday after school for 15 years, the endless weekend road trips to Byron to visit good old aunty Maggie,” she said.
“You taught me how to be an independent young lady and shaped me into the young woman I am today.
“You always believed in me and in every dream and ambition I had.
“You made me believe that I could do anything, and you were always there cheering me on as I picked up yet another hobby or chased another dream.
Family and friends have paid tribute to Kym Mackinnon, sister of McLeod’s Daughters star Simmone Jade Mackinnon, after her sudden death in Queensland Credit: Instagram
“To the showgirl, the dancer, the star!
“You sure knew how to put on a show, both on stage and off.
“I love you, DANCE IN PEACE MUM.”
A beloved dance teacher, Kym was remembered by one student as “so humble, never wanting to be in the limelight and never taking the credit she so deeply deserved”.
“When Kym arrived in the studio when I was an adolescent, I’ll never forget the impact she had on all of us, she had this incredible ability to make so many of us feel truly so seen,” the student wrote, adding: “She is iconic”.
“Kim was one of the first teachers to show me how to express my heart through movement.
“I don’t think she ever truly knew just how much we all loved and looked up to her.”
Kym Mackinnon with her family in an old photo shared by her daughter, alongside a more recent image. Credit: Facebook
Best known to Australian audiences as Stevie Hall in McLeod’s Daughters, Simmone Jade Mackinnon joined the long-running drama in its third season, which ran for nine years and won eight Logie Awards.
Earlier in her career, the Mount Isa-born actress played Allie Reese in Baywatch Hawaii, where she met future Hollywood star Jason Momoa. The pair dated from 2004 until 2006 and became engaged during their relationship.
After stepping away from acting for several years, she recently returned to television screens to win the adventure reality series The Summit.
If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
For further information about depression contact beyondblue on 1300 224 636 or talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.
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