Port Douglas school teacher tragically killed in hiking accident
TRIBUTES FLOW
Tributes are today flowing for beloved 31-year-old Port Douglas State School teacher, Emily Hutchinson after she was tragically killed in a hiking accident in the Barron Gorge National Park on Saturday.
Ms Hutchinson was hiking at Stoney Creek Falls, near Kamerunga, when she was critically injured after being reportedly struck by boulders which had dislodged and fallen.
A Queensland Ambulance spokesperson said paramedics were dispatched to the incident at 11:16am.
“She sustained significant head injuries after reportedly being struck by a rock,” the spokesperson said.
Ms Hutchinson was airlifted to Cairns Hospital in a critical condition where she was later pronounced dead.
Ms Hutchinson had only begun teaching in Port Douglas at the beginning of the term, three days prior, after recently relocating from Weipa to Julatten with her partner.
The Port Douglas State School P&C Association has paid tribute to the “newest, but already much loved” year five/six teacher on social media.
“Miss Hutchinson was a vibrant, young and lovely teacher and had already made a connection and an impact with her students in the three days she taught them last week.
“She will be missed by all of us at Port Douglas State School.
“We wish to express our sincere condolences to her partner and family at this terrible time as they deal with their shock and grief at her life taken way too soon.”
Tributes have also flown across social media from friends over the weekend with many describing the young teacher as “vibrant” “warm and bubbly” with a “beautiful personality”.
A spokesperson for the Department of Education said the school community in Far North Queensland is “deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden and tragic passing of one of our teachers.
“She was a highly respected and beloved member of staff who will be greatly missed by all her colleagues and students at Western Cape College and Port Douglas State School, where she had most recently been teaching.
“Our thoughts and sincere sympathies go out to her family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time," the spokesperson said.
Support is currently being provided to students and staff at Port Douglas State School, with the Department saying guidance counsellors will "provide support in any way they can and for as long as it is needed."
A Queensland Police spokesperson said police have investigated the matter and are now preparing a report for the Coroner.