Horror as young Aussie mum is found dead on the beach after vanishing from Queensland hair salon
Police have made a desperate appeal for information in relation to a mother who was found dead in Mackay four days after she was reported missing.
Emergency services were called about 8am on Tuesday after a member of the public found Payge Leembruggen, 31, dead near Mackay Harbour North Wall.
Investigations into the circumstances and cause of her death are ongoing.
Ms Leembruggen was last seen at Apollo Hair salon on Celeber Drive in Andergrove at approximately 8.55am on September 11.
Mackay Whitsunday District Detective Inspector Emma Novosel said Ms Leembruggen had not been reported missing before her body was found.
She told The Courier Mail the mother would travel from her Mount Jukes home, where she lived with her family and five-year-old son, to the Mackay city and ‘take up with associates’.
Police have published an appeal for information from anyone who may have seen her between September 11 and 15, or who may have information that could assist the investigation.
‘We’re trying to fill a four-day gap at this time and that’s why we’re seeking information from members of the public,’ Detective Inspector Novosel said.
Police have made a desperate appeal for information in relation to Payge Leembruggen, 31, who was found dead near Mackay Harbour North Wall
Ms Leembruggen was last seen at Apollo Hair salon on Celeber Drive in Andergrove at approximately 8.55am on September 11
Pictured, emergency services were called to the Mackay Harbour beach at 8am on Tuesday
‘The area in where Payge’s body was located I understand is quite dense and difficult to navigate.’
Detective Inspector Novosel said an autopsy has been scheduled which will help determine the cause of death and added it is to early to confirm if Ms Leembruggen died at the beach or had been moved to the location.
‘We always treat an unexplained death as suspicious until proven otherwise,’ she said, confirming the family of Ms Leembruggen were ‘understandably’ distressed.
‘Our thoughts are really with the family. We’re assisting them as much as we can.
‘The beach is safe for everyone to use, we’ve got no concerns about the safety of the general public and using that area.’
Ms Leembruggen is described as Caucasian, about 178cm tall and with brown hair. She was last seen wearing a white top, bright red trousers and a red bow in her hair.
Anyone with information that can assist with investigations is urged to contact police.
