{"id":336969,"date":"2025-12-09T10:48:16","date_gmt":"2025-12-09T10:48:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/336969\/"},"modified":"2025-12-09T10:48:16","modified_gmt":"2025-12-09T10:48:16","slug":"ex-councillor-and-journalist-kirsten-moriarty-identified-as-woman-found-dead-in-car-outside-lake-illawarra-police-station","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/336969\/","title":{"rendered":"Ex-councillor and journalist Kirsten Moriarty identified as woman found dead in car outside Lake Illawarra police station"},"content":{"rendered":"

The woman found dead in a car outside a police station<\/a> has been identified as respected former Queensland<\/a> councillor and journalist Kirsten Moriarty.<\/p>\n

The 48-year-old\u2019s body was discovered in the back of a blue Toyota Yaris<\/a> parked outside Lake Illawarra Police<\/a> Station, on the NSW<\/a> South Coast, about 4.30pm on Friday.<\/p>\n

Paramedics were called but determined she had been in an advanced state of decomposition, with the vehicle exposed to extreme heat for days.<\/p>\n

Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Arrow<\/a><\/p>\n

NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Joe Cassar said it appeared Moriarty had been living in the car.<\/p>\n

She is believed to have entered the police station on Tuesday and spoken with officers before returning to her car about 9pm.<\/p>\n

A close high school friend said that Moriarty, who was single and had no partner, had gone to police for help \u2014 though police have not confirmed whether she was seeking assistance or attempting to lodge a report.<\/p>\n

\"MoriartyMoriarty was featured in a 2014 7NEWS story. Credit: 7NEWSJournalist, author, councillor, and skydiver <\/p>\n

Moriarty worked as a journalist for The Somerset Newspaper from 2009 and later authored a book, From Dark Days to Blue Skies, recounting how she \u201ccame back from the dead after a devastating skydiving accident\u201d in July 2010.<\/p>\n

During the jump with the Brisbane Skydiving Centre at Willowbank, the experienced skydiver claimed she drifted off target and struck two high-voltage power lines.<\/p>\n

The 11,000-volt shock caused extensive burns to her ankles, thighs, neck and chest, and she remained trapped for nearly two hours before emergency crews could free her.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe burns from high voltage electricity burn through every layer of the skin. They also burnt through a significant part of my muscle, which unfortunately doesn\u2019t grow back,\u201d she said at the time.<\/p>\n

\"MoriartyMoriarty published a book after the skydiving accident. Credit: Supplied<\/p>\n

After enduring 16 operations, Moriarty returned to journalism six months later, saying she preferred to \u201cwrite the front-page story, rather than be it\u201d.<\/p>\n

The avid skydiver returned to the sport just a year later and appeared in a 2014 7NEWS story about the Equinox Boogie, a skydiving and music festival.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s the most amazing feeling, I get to fly, and it certainly gives me a nice birds eye view of our beautiful region,\u201d she said in the report.<\/p>\n

Moriarty was elected to Somerset Regional Council in 2012, inspired by the overwhelming community support she received during her recovery.<\/p>\n

\u201cDuring my time in hospital everyone I had met through my career in the Somerset, even if I had met them just once, sent me cards and letters which really helped me get through such a tough time,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow I want to give back to the community that gave me so much.\u201d<\/p>\n

Heartfelt tributes from community<\/p>\n

Somerset locals who knew Moriarty say they are \u201cextremely shocked and saddened\u201d by her death.<\/p>\n

Toogoolawah resident Charlie Lewis told 7NEWS.com.au that Moriarty was widely known and admired.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe was a kindhearted woman with an infectious laugh who tried to help many, and didn\u2019t judge, she treated everyone the same,\u201d Lewis remembered.<\/p>\n

In a photo shared by Lewis, Moriarty is seen standing between Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke and Somerset Deputy Mayor Helen Brieschke.<\/p>\n

\"MoriartyMoriarty (second right) pictured with Somerset Deputy Mayor Helen Brieschke (right), Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke (third right), Charlie Lewis (centre) with her two children, and Labor MP Shayne Neumann (left). Credit: Charlie Lewis<\/p>\n

Lewis and her two children stand in the middle of the group, with Labor MP Shayne Neumann on the far left.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe met with the minister to fight for koala protection for the Somerset,\u201d Lewis said, adding that she herself continues to work in koala rescue.<\/p>\n

Another local resident, Vivienne Pastars, described Moriarty as \u201ccourageous\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo go through such a traumatic accident and arise with strength, dignity and belief, shows the true depth of her character,\u201d Pastars told 7NEWS.com.au.<\/p>\n

Pastars, who knew her during her bid for mayor, said Moriarty was \u201ca breath of fresh air\u201d in council with her enthusiasm.<\/p>\n

\u201cArticulate and savvy with time to listen. I believe many people in the region were appreciative of a smart young woman taking on the long-term diehards that held their positions for way too long,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\"MoriartyMoriarty was elected to Somerset Regional Council in 2012. Credit: Charlie Lewis<\/p>\n

Somerset Regional Council also paid tribute, noting Moriarty worked as an employee for one year and served as a councillor from 2012 to 2016.<\/p>\n

\u201cCr Moriarty served the community with dedication, contributing meaningfully to the region through her commitment to local issues and her willingness to advocate on behalf of residents,\u201d the council said.<\/p>\n

\u201cHer service made a lasting impact, and she is remembered with respect and gratitude.<\/p>\n

\u201cOn behalf of the Mayor, Councillors and staff, we extend our sincere condolences to Kirsten\u2019s family, friends, and all who knew her.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur thoughts are with them during this difficult time.\u201d<\/p>\n

A critical incident investigation has been launched into the circumstances of her death.<\/p>\n

It will be overseen by the Professional Standards Command and the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Sad update after woman\u2019s body found outside police station<\/p>\n

1 min read<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Shock as body found in car parked outside police station<\/p>\n

1 min read<\/p>\n

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