The niece of McLeod’s Daughters star Simmone Jade Mackinnon has paid a heartbreaking tribute to her mother Kym after she was found dead on Tamborine Mountain.
Queensland police confirmed Kym’s death on Tuesday, just one day after her TV star sister made an emotional plea for information about her whereabouts.
Later that evening, Kym’s daughter Rayne Johnsen uploaded a memorial post for her late mother on Facebook.
“My dear mother, thank you for raising me, teaching me discipline and dedication, letting me dance after school Monday to Friday for fifteen years, the endless weekend trips to Byron to visit good old Aunt Maggie,” she wrote.
“You taught me to be an independent young lady and shaped me into the young woman I am today. You always believed in me and every dream and ambition I had.
“You made me believe that I could do anything, and you were always there to encourage me when I took up another hobby or chased another dream.
The niece of McLeod’s Daughters star Simmone Jade Mackinnon, 53, has paid a heartbreaking tribute to her mother Kym, 51, after she was found dead on Tamborine Mountain. Pictured: Kym and her daughter Rayne Johnsen, 25
‘To the showgirl, the dancer, the star! You certainly knew how to put on a show, both on and off stage. I love you. DANCE IN PEACE MUM.’
Alongside the heartbreaking caption, Rayne, 25, posted photos of herself with her mother.
The mother-daughter duo were seen smiling as they posed on a staircase outside a house, wearing matching khaki outfits.
Another image was a throwback to when Rayne was a young girl sitting on a bridge and cuddling up to her mother.
A former dance student of Kym’s also shared a tribute online.
“Devastated doesn’t begin to describe how I feel upon hearing of the passing of my dear dance teacher, dance mentor and dear friend, Kymmy Mackinnon,” wrote Samantha Ross.
‘When Kym came into the studio as a teenager, I will never forget the impact she had on all of us. She had the incredible ability to make so many of us feel truly seen. She is iconic.
‘Always so modest, never wanting to be in the spotlight, and never claiming the honor she so deeply deserved.
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Queensland police confirmed Kym’s death on Tuesday, just one day after her TV star sister made an emotional plea for information on her whereabouts
‘Kym was one of the first teachers to show me how to express my heart through movement. She taught me to feel, to come from something deeper and to find my own expression/style – which was unparalleled at the time!
“I don’t think she ever really knew how much we all loved and looked up to her.”
Samantha went on to say that Kym was “happiest” with horses, “and that was a love we shared together over the years.”
‘I will always remember her light, I will carry her memories with me. I will still feel her in the music. I’ll hear her in those iconic tunes (if you know, you know). I see her with my horses.
‘And I will always carry her memory with me. To Rayne Johnsen, Simmone Jade Mackinnon and family, there are no words that can express how deeply my heart is with you. Wrapping you all in my love.
‘We love you, Kymmy. Until we meet again… I’ll see you on the dance floor.’
It comes after the search for 51-year-old Kym ended in tragedy on Tuesday.
“Police will prepare a report for the coroner following the unsuspicious death of a woman on Tamborine Mountain. There is no more information at this time,” said a police spokesperson.
Later that evening, Kym’s daughter Rayne Johnsen uploaded a memorial post for her late mother on Facebook
Alongside the heartbreaking caption, Rayne posted photos of herself with her mother
The tragic development came just hours after Simmone, 53, publicly asked for help finding her missing sister.
The actress had shared a post on Instagram on Monday detailing Kym’s disappearance and asking her followers to come forward with information.
Kym was last seen on Guanaba Road near Tamborine Mountain, Queensland, although police did not initially reveal how long she had been missing.
“Have you seen my sister?” Simmone captioned the post, urging the public to contact Policelink if there was any information.
“Be sure to share this post if you’re in Queensland,” she added.
When followers asked for more information in the comments, Simmone said she could not provide further details due to the ongoing police investigation.
“The police will release an official statement very soon. I don’t want to release any information until it has been triple checked by them,” she wrote.
Her former McLeod’s Daughters co-star Rodger Corser was among those to offer his support, writing: “Dear Simmy, I can only imagine how you are feeling right now. Let’s get her found. Lots of love, now share.’
A former dance student of Kym’s also shared a tribute online
The tragic development came just hours after Simmone (pictured) publicly asked for help finding her missing sister
Simmone replied, “Thank you so much buddy, we really appreciate it.”
Simmone is best known for playing Stevie Hall in McLeod’s Daughters from 2003 to 2009.
The Gold Logie-nominated actress also appeared as Allie Reese on Baywatch Hawaii from 1999 to 2000.
