By Julius Dennis, ABC
Charlize Zmuda, who was killed in a shark attack at Bribie Island. Photo: Supplied
Family and friends of 17-year-old Charlize Zmuda, who was killed in a shark attack at Bribie Island, have gathered to grieve her death.
Emergency services were called to Woorim Beach, north of Brisbane, just before 5pm on Monday.
Zmuda was swimming at an unpatrolled section of the popular surfing and fishing spot when she sustained fatal injuries to her upper body.
In a statement, family member Renee Zmuda said they would like the community to focus on the "incredible life she lived and not the awful way she died".
"Charlize was loved by many and was such a shining light who truly touched the lives of everyone she met," the statement said.
"She loved the beach and it truly was her happiest place on Earth."
Zmuda started as a Bribie Island nipper from the age of eight, was vice captain of her patrol, and competed with the IRB team in the Lifesaving World Championships, her family said.
"She loved 4wding up the beach and anyone who went with her knew they would have to stop and pick up every piece of rubbish she saw along the way," the statement read.
"We are truly grateful for the outpouring of love and support from the community."
Paramedics say the female suffered injuries to her upper body. (ABC News) Photo: ABC News
Community rocked by tragedy
Floral tributes were laid and a memorial service was held at the beach on the island's eastern coast early on Tuesday.
Local swimmer Jenny O'Connor was part of a group that gathered to lay flowers in the ocean and pay their respects to the young victim.
Ms O'Connor said the teenager died "doing what she loved".
"We just wanted to honour her, we said some remembrances and a prayer," she said.
"I know that she loved being a part of this community and this beautiful island that we live in."
Local man Ivor Whitefield said the Bribie Island community had been rocked by the tragedy.
"Well, we're pretty shocked, the whole community is shocked," Whitefield said.
Third shark attack in Queensland in less than three months
Surf Life Saving Queensland said Woorim Beach would remain closed until further notice.
The destination is a popular spot for swimming, surfing and fishing amongst locals and tourists.
Unlike the calm and protected western side of Bribie Island, the eastern coast is an open beach.
Local Christopher Potter said he came down to the beach just after it happened.
"There are a lot of swimming groups that swim along here, morning and afternoon," he said.
"It's known there are a lot of sharks around Bribie, but this close to shore, it's still a shock."
Drumlines, which are used to catch sharks using bait and large hooks, are used at Woorim Beach.
It is the third shark attack in Queensland in less than three months, and the second fatal attack in just over a month.
In December, 40-year-old Luke Walford was killed while spearfishing in the Southern Great Barrier Reef near Humpy Island.
Earlier that month, a man was hospitalised after being attacked by a shark while spearfishing off Curtis Island, near Gladstone.
- ABC News
