The body of a woman who was found dead among mangroves has been identified as the loving mother of a six-year-old boy.
Maree Smith’s remains were found by passers by near Spike Milligan Bridge on Brisbane Water Drive at Woy Woy, on the NSW Central Coast, at about 2.10pm on Sunday.
Police have renewed a public call for information or dashcam footage after her purple bike was found near the scene.
On Monday afternoon, family friend Tina Navin Cristina wrote a heartfelt tribute to the 42-year-old mum.
Pictured: Maree Smith, 42, and her husband Paul. Maree was found dead in shallow waters on Sunday
Pictured: Maree Smith on her wedding day. She died on Sunday and leaves a six-year-old son behind
‘Maree was one of those people that reminded you what true friendship really is,’ she wrote in a Go Fund Me campaign.
‘She would drop everything to be there for you when you needed her, loyal, kind and generous.’
Tina also said Maree’s sudden death has left her husband Paul and son Ryan in shock.
‘Ryan is just six years old and in kindergarten, and Paul’s focus at this difficult time is to do whatever he can to help keep Ryan’s life as stable as possible after the loss of his mummy – the centre of his world,’ she said.
Friends and family of Maree Smith (pictured) flocked to social media to pay tribute to the mum
Her friend Tina Navin Cristina (pictured right with Maree) created a Go Fund Me campaign for the family
Her body was found near the Spike Milligan Bridge (pictured), with her purple bicycle also discovered nearby
‘Please help us to support Paul and Ryan as they grieve, and learn how to live without the centre of their universe.’
Friends and family flocked to social media to pay tribute to Maree.
One friend said: You didn’t want to turn 16 because you thought you’d be old so I’m sure you thought 42 was ancient.
‘But it’s not. 42 is young. Too young. Now you’ll be forever young.’
Another said ‘she will be missed greatly.’
Maree Smith has been remembered as a kind, loyal and caring friend who would do anything for her friends
Maree Smith’s (pictured right) death is being investigated by police. Her bike was found near her body
A member of the public saw Ms Smith’s purple bike fallen over on the footpath before they saw her body in shallow water nearby.
The person called triple-zero before other pedestrians and passing motorists tried to resuscitate her, but they were unsuccessful.
One woman wrote on Facebook that her husband stopped to help but a couple and another passer by had already contacted emergency services.
‘My thoughts are with you and your family,’ she said.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
Source: DailyMail