Prayers are flowing for the grief-stricken family of a Catholic school student who was killed in a shark attack at a popular surfing beach on Queensland’s Bribie Island on Monday. Source: The Catholic Leader.
Charlize Zmuda, 17, was swimming at an unpatrolled section of the popular surfing and fishing spot when she was bitten by the shark at Woorim Beach late on Monday afternoon.
Her father, Steve Zmuda, spoke to media yesterday and said his daughter was dedicated to her community.
“Charlize was a member of our [surf] club since she was eight years old,” Mr Zmuda said.
“She was a dedicated lifesaver who wanted only the best for our club and for all of our community.”
Mr Zmuda said his daughter was “extremely musical” and talented.
“She was the lead at the St Columban’s (College) as a singer … she was so musically gifted,” he said.
St Columban’s College, Caboolture, principal Michael Connolly said the college joined the family and wider community in “our collective deep sense of sorrow and loss of Charlize Zmuda”.
“Charlize was a special and valued member of our college community,” he said.
“She was a talented actress, singer, instrumentalist and surf lifesaver who brought a vibrancy to our college and served both her school and local communities with distinction.
“She will be greatly missed by staff and students alike.
“St Columban’s College will continue to support and pray for Charlize’s family and the college community as we come to terms with this great loss.”
Brisbane Archbishop Mark Coleridge remembered Ms Zmuda at a Mass at St Stephen’s Cathedral yesterday as the Church reached out in prayer to the family and tight-knit Bribie Island community.
He said the loss of life was traumatic for her family and also her college community.
“So, you might remember Charlize and pray that she may find eternal rest, but also remember her family and the school in your prayer,” he said.
FULL STORY
College community mourns young student killed in shark attack, Church offers prayers for family (By Joe Higgins, The Catholic Leader)
