Friends and members of Australia’s entertainment community have taken to social media to pay tribute to Charlotte Dawson, who was found dead yesterday morning at the age of 47.
Fashion designer Alex Perry spoke to news.com.au about the tragic loss. “She was such a beautiful girl, she had so much energy and such a sense of humour but her battle with mental illness just made it so difficult for her to really go in so many parts of her life,” he said.
“I loved Charlotte so much but she was a very tormented woman who really was finding it hard to battle her mental illness … She obviously has tried and tried so hard to raise awareness of mental illness but it really did just totally take its tole and got on top of her.”
Dawson, who was an anti-bullying advocate, has appeared across multiple media outlets to speak out against online bullying. Earlier in the week she appeared on both A Current Affair and The Project to speak about online attacks made against her over social networking sites. Her last public appearance was on Nine’s Morning Show on Friday.
Tributes have flooded across social media, with everyone from Russell Crowe (they’ve been friends since they were young) to New Zealand Prime Minister John Key expressing their grief at the news.
Charley D…Just don’t understand. There’s not enough kind souls as it is. Rest in peace.
— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) February 22, 2014
Heartbroken to hear news that Charlotte Dawson has died. In shock right now. U will always have a special place in our hearts Charlotte. RIP
— Kyle and Jackie O (@kyleandjackieo) February 22, 2014
Can not believe what I’ve been hearing and reading. Sad, sad news about a kind and wonderful soul. RIP Ms Charlotte Dawson
— Greg Inglis (@greg_inglis) February 22, 2014
#RIPCharlotte A spirited and lovely lady gone far too soon. I pray she’s found the peace she craved and deserved.
— Melissa Doyle (@melissadoyle) February 22, 2014
Words just seem insufficient right now and can’t come close to expressing just how much you will be… http://t.co/NgvtMsR6hE
— Megan Gale (@MeganKGale) February 22, 2014
So tragic. Life is so precious. RIP Charlotte ?? May heaven be a happier place for you x
— Jesinta Campbell (@JesintaCampbell) February 22, 2014
Deeply saddened by the loss of our friend Charlotte Dawson. Our thoughts go out to her loved ones.
— Sonia Kruger (@SoniaKruger) February 22, 2014
A wave of sadness has washed over me this afternoon. To anyone suffering alone please call lifeline 131114. #RIPCharlotte
— Carrie Bickmore (@BickmoreCarrie) February 22, 2014
My whole family is devastated at death of Charlotte. We shared a common love of basketball & Sydney Kings.She was always so kind to my girls
— david koch (@kochie_online) February 22, 2014
Shocked and saddened to hear of Charlotte Dawson’s death.
— John Key (@johnkeypm) February 22, 2014
You can seek mental health support for yourself or a love one by calling Lifeline: 13 11 14.
Photo: Lisa Maree Williams via Getty
Via news.com.au
