'Nothing but good memories': Tributes to drowned doctor as police seek phone
The search continues for the phone belonging to a drowned Sunshine Coast doctor whose body was found on Dicky Beach on Thursday, as tributes are shared for the victim.
Gemma Diessel, 27, was found by an off-duty lifesaver just after 5am and investigators believe her phone could be crucial to shedding further light on her final movements before she entered the water.
Dr Diessel graduated from university at the end of 2018 and worked as a doctor at Sunshine Coast University Hospital. Her death is being treated as non-suspicious.
Sarah Evans wrote a tribute on Facebook for Dr Diessel, saying she had "nothing but good memories" from the years she had known her.
"So so sad. She was part of our family for more than five years, and I have nothing but good memories of those days," she said.
"My heart breaks for her mum, dad & sister, and all who’s [sic] lives she touched. Including ours."
Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service chief executive Adjunct Professor Naomi Dwyer expressed her grief and said support would be offered to Dr Diessel's colleagues.
"Our sincere condolences go out to this young woman’s family at this very sad time," she said.
"We also want to support our staff who may be impacted by this very sad and unexpected news.
"We are providing counselling and support for her peers and colleagues via our confidential Employee Assistance Program."
In October last year, Dr Diessel's older sister Tanya congratulated her on completing her degree.
"So proud to announce that, after nine years at uni, my baby sister has passed all her exams (results released today) and is all clear to graduate," she wrote.
"I now have a doctor as a little sister! So proud of you Gemma Diessel."
Police said on Friday morning that Dr Diessel's phone still had not been recovered.
Senior Sergeant Matt Campbell said on Thursday her phone was a "pertinent piece of evidence".
"What I will seek some community assistance with is finding the phone that belonged to that young girl, we believe that it’s a black S9 Samsung," he said.
"So if anyone in the Kawana or Caloundra beach area comes across such an item, we would be seeking to know that.
"As you can imagine, prior to an incident like this, any kind of communication with anyone could give us a lot better insight into what’s happened."
Based on tide movements, police believe the woman entered the water at Kawana or Caloundra.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.