Erin Jayne Plummer’s friends have confirmed the TV presenter and infomercial host tragically died by suicide – and say they wish they could have done more to ‘help carry the weight of her pain’.
The Studio 10 host died unexpectedly on Sunday aged 42, sparking wild online conspiracy theories she fell victim to the Covid vaccine.
But devastated friends have since confirmed she took her own life following a long and drawn out mental health battle – leaving a heartbroken husband and three children behind.
‘I want to share her pain,’ close friend Tori Haschka said. ‘She hated nothing more than being a burden. I wish she knew it was a weight we were happy to help carry.’
Erin was a doting mother and ‘loved her girls boundlessly’, but struggled during the Covid pandemic and had not been her ‘bouncy, energetic self’ in recent weeks.
‘I wish we had found her a way through,’ Tori said.
Erin Jayne Plummer’s friends wish they could have ‘helped to carry the weight of her pain’ as they confirm she tragically died by suicide
Erin is survived by her husband and three daughters, who her father says are her mini-me’s
Directly speaking to her late friend, she said: ‘I wish you had more peace while you were here with us.’
Others said they feel a sense of guilt at assuming she would ‘bounce back’ as she had countless times before.
Erin’s father Peter Gard said the star’s daughters are ‘little mini versions of her’ – as they now have to face growing up without their mum.
‘Newer versions of Erin in the blocks. Jazzy’s a rocket… just as tall as me and size 12 feet… or flippers,’ he said.
Erin was an accomplished synchronised swimmer who represented Australia at three world championships and won 11 national titles.
One of her daughters, Jazzy, has since followed in her footsteps and is dominating in her age group at swimming competitions across the state.
Friends were encouraged to share their fondest memories of Erin, who was known for her bubbly personality and warm presence on camera
Friends, family and mourners alike gathered at Freshwater beach to watch the sun rise on Wednesday in a makeshift farewell to Erin
Reminiscing on his daughter’s vivacious personality, Peter said Erin ‘could talk under water with a mouth full of marbles’.
‘She was sunshine and happiness.’
Many of her newer friends came to know her through her children’s sports and extra curricular activities.
In the wake of the tragedy, Erin’s local community have rallied to support her three girls, creating a schedule to bring them dinner every night until the end of July and offering to help out around the house and eventually with school and sport drop-offs.
Erin’s house has been inundated with flowers, handwritten notes and bags of red frogs – her favourite lollies – in her honour.
She was thrust into the spotlight at a young age when she was scouted at Sydney’s Manly Beach and cast in a tourism campaign that aired on NBC in America.
Countless friends have now come forward to share their favourite memories with Erin in the wake of her death, including one friend who she convinced to join her in a mermaid segment on live TV
Devastated friends have since confirmed she took her own life following a long and drawn out mental health battle. Pictured: A photo of Erin and a friend shared in a tribute to the late TV host
But it was her role as a professional spruiker for which Erin was best known.
During her career hosting advertorials, she appeared on Studio 10, TVSN, Mornings with Kerri-Anne and The Morning Show, and earned the nickname ‘The Danoz Girl’.
Friends, family and mourners alike gathered at Freshwater beach to watch the sun rise on Wednesday in a makeshift farewell to Erin.
People of all ages were seen crying and embracing each other as the chaplain led the assembly of 100 people in prayer.
A fundraising appeal has been set up to help the family in the wake of Erin’s sudden death.
If you or anyone you know is struggling, contact Lifeline or Beyond Blue
Erin’s house has been inundated with flowers, handwritten notes and bags of red frogs – her favourite lollies – in her honour
Incredible act of kindness for family of Erin Jayne Plummer as neighbours rally together to cook them meals for the next two months
A meal donation program has been set up to support the family of television presenter Erin Jayne Plummer following her tragic death aged 42.
The Studio 10 and TVSN infomercial host died ‘suddenly’ over the weekend, and is survived by her husband and their three daughters.
Neighbours have since have rallied around the Plummer family by setting up an account with Meal Train – a website where people can collaborate to schedule, cook and deliver meals to those in need.
The website allows volunteers to select a specific day they’d like to deliver food and share the meal they plan to cook.
So far, 59 people have volunteered to deliver home-cooked meals for Erin’s family, meaning that the Plummers won’t have to cook for themselves for the next two months.
According to the page, the Plummers prefer meals to be dropped off between 5-6pm, and request that there are food options for one family member who is allergic to eggs, nuts and diary.
Mourning: The Studio 10 and TVSN infomercial host died ‘suddenly’ over the weekend, and is survived by her husband (right) and their three daughters
Incredible act of community kindness: Neighbours have have rallied around the Plummer family by setting up an account with Meal Train – a website where people can collaborate to schedule, cook and deliver meals to those in need
Meals that have been pledged include nachos, roast chicken and salads.
Elsewhere, a GoFundMe page also set up to support Erin’s family has raised $24,690 – far over the initial goal of $5000, and the total is going up by the minute.
The description explains that the page is, ‘Fundraising to support a regular gardener and housekeeper to keep the Plummer household running along with anything else they may need.’
Helping hand: So far, 59 people have volunteered to deliver home-cooked meals for Erin’s family, meaning that the Plummers won’t have to cook for themselves for the next two months
It appears to have been set up by a friend of the family.
Among the donors is TV entrepreneur Harry Michaels and his wife Effie, who gave a whopping $10,000.
‘Our deepest condolences are with you and your family at this very sad time’, the couple wrote in their comment alongside the donation.
Among the donors is TV entrepreneur Harry Michaels and his wife Effie, who gave a whopping $10,000
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