The daughter of Queensland dance teacher Kym Mackinnon has paid tribute to her mother after she was found dead at Tamborine Mountain, days after Kym’s sister, McLeod’s Daughters actress Simmone Jade Mackinnon, appealed publicly for help locating her.
Queensland Police confirmed on Tuesday, September 1, that a woman had died in the Gold Coast hinterland. Officers said the death was not being treated as suspicious and that a report would be prepared for the coroner.
Kym’s daughter, Rayne Johnsen, 25, shared a series of photographs of the pair on Facebook alongside an emotional message remembering her mother’s support and dedication.
“To my dear mum, thank you for raising me, teaching me discipline & diligence, driving me to dancing Monday to Friday after school for 15 years,” she wrote.
Johnsen also recalled the “endless weekend road trips to Byron to visit good old aunty Maggie”, and said her mother had taught her to become an independent woman.
“You made me believe that I could do anything, and you were always there cheering me on as I picked up yet another hobby or chased another dream,” she added.
Ending the tribute, Johnsen wrote: “To the showgirl, the dancer, the star! You sure knew how to put on a show, both on stage and off. I love you. DANCE IN PEACE MUM.”
One photograph showed the mother and daughter smiling in matching khaki outfits, while another appeared to show them together when Johnsen was a child.
A former student of Kym’s, Samantha Ross, also described her as an influential teacher and mentor who helped her find confidence through dance.
“When Kym arrived in the studio when I was an adolescent, I’ll never forget the impact she had on all of us,” Ross wrote. “She had this incredible ability to make so many of us feel truly so seen.”
Ross said Kym had been happiest around horses, a passion they shared, and added: “I’ll still feel her in music. I’ll hear her in those iconic tunes. I’ll see her in my horses.”
The death came just one day after Simmone Mackinnon issued an appeal on social media seeking information about her missing sister. Kym had last been seen on Guanaba Road at Tamborine Mountain, according to the appeal.
“Have you seen my sister?” the actress wrote on Monday, August 31, urging people, particularly those in Queensland, to share the post and contact Policelink with any information.
When followers asked for more details, Mackinnon said she did not want to release information before it had been checked by police.
Her former McLeod’s Daughters co-star Rodger Corser offered his support, writing: “Dear Simmy, can only imagine how you’re feeling right now. Let’s get her found. Much love, Sharing now.”
Mackinnon, 53, is best known for playing Stevie Hall in McLeod’s Daughters from 2003 to 2009. She also appeared as Allie Reese in Baywatch Hawaii.
