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'We laughed and cried together': Heartbroken friend's tribute to Aussie model after her death

One of Annalise Braakensiek’s closest friends has penned a heartfelt tribute to the Aussie model following the discovery of her body in her Sydney apartment.

The 46-year-old’s body was found in her inner-city Potts Point apartment on Sunday after concerns were raised for her welfare.

It is still not clear how long her body had been there, but friends say they had not heard from her for days.

The Sydney-based model, actress and designer was best known to the public for her roles on shows including Fat Pizza, Home and Away and 20 to 1 – but she was so much more to Gina Byrnes.

In a deeply emotional Instagram post, Ms Byrnes expressed the pain she was feeling after losing her friend who she described as “compassionate, forgiving and open-minded”.

Annalise Braakensiek death: Friend's tribute to Australian model
Gina Byrnes, one of Annalise Braakensiek’s closest friends, shared a touching tribute to the Aussie model after her body was discovered on the weekend. Image: Instagram/gina_b21
Annalise Braakensiek death: Friend's tribute to Australian model
Braakensiek was an ambassador for suicide prevention. Image: AAP

“You carried yourself with such grace dignity femininity and poise. You had an ability to smile with your whole body – now that is an art,” Ms Byrnes wrote.

“Oh honey, this pain, I’m happy we hugged every day and told each other how much we loved each other, and why we loved each.”

Ms Byrnes revealed her friend had at times “felt so abandoned” – a topic Braakensiek had addressed publicly during her role as an ambassador for suicide prevention charity R U OK?.

“You were a work of art and yes not everyone understood you but those who did will never forget you,” Ms Byrnes wrote.

“Baby I know you felt so abandoned and misunderstood by some people but you were loved globally sweetheart.”

“Annalise You are forever in my (heart) I miss you.”

View this post on Instagram

My spiritual Vikingess We shared a strong bond not only by a loving respectful friendship but also by our ancestor roots . You carried yourself with such grace dignity femininity and poise . You had an ability to smile with your whole body – now -that- is an art . You were a work of art and yes not everyone understood you but those who did will never forget you . You stayed committed to being adventurous joyful authentic creative genuine inclusive compassionate forgiving and open minded . You loved passionately , fiercely and without conditions . How we loved when you cooked up your love filled tasty and healthy feasts . Such treats ! You were so happy inspiring and confident in the kitchen . Thank you for sharing your culinary skills , energy and talent in the kitchen with Hamilton Vendela and Scarlett. Priceless lessons for my cherubs . Your body oil fragrance is still lingering in your now very empty room . Oh honey … this pain ……..I’m happy we hugged every day and told each other how much we loved each other , and why we loved each other, priceless cuddles sunshine !!!! I’m happy I could provide you with some momentarily peace safety happiness and comfort in my home . Moose and Beanie are still looking for you to come home … I miss our 430 am texts . Are you awake ? ok great !!!! let’s meet downstairs for a lemon water, a coffee and a natter . We laughed and cried together sharing each others pain and happiness . Baby I know you felt so abandoned and miss understood by some people but you were loved globally sweetheart , your presence and unselfish creative soul touched so many peoples hearts . Thank you for opening up your beautiful generous heart sharing your inner secrets with me , what an honour …… You made my soul shine and feel alive my spiritual goddess. You rocked those long blonde braids like a true Vikingess angel face . Our motto was – ♥️Open arms Open hearts ♥️ Annaliese You are Forever in my 💔 I miss you ………………..say hi to your papa bear ! Jag älskar dig !

A post shared by G (@gina_b21) on Jan 7, 2019 at 1:54am PST

‘Everything seems to feel twisted’

In the weeks and months leading up to her death, Braakensiek spoke of the difficulties involved in moving away from her long-time home in Bondi following a divorce from her stockbroker husband.

“Everything seems to feel twisted and upside down at the moment,” she wrote.

“Life’s challenges have been deep, dark, difficult, demanding and downright scary lately.

“I know it’s good for me and ultimately all the pain and hard times are going to be a blessing.”

Annalise Braakensiek death: Friend's tribute to Australian model
Braakensiek’s Facebook absence also sparked concerns from some of her devoted fans. Image: Getty Images

One month earlier, she thanked those who had helped her through her dark clouds in a post about mental health.

“Mental health has so so many misconceptions, criticism, misunderstandings and false judgments still!! We have to break the silence on mental health because it happens to the best of us,” Braakensiek posted alongside an R U OK? image.

A statement released by R U OK? said the organisation was “devastated to hear of the loss of much loved and respected” Braakensiek.

Annalise Braakensiek death: Friend's tribute to Australian model
Tributes have flooded in for the beloved model. Image: Getty

“We are still processing the news we have heard today. Annalise has been a huge voice for suicide prevention in Australia,” chief executive Brendan Maher said in the statement.

“Nothing we have ever asked of Annalise was too much, she has stepped up time and time again to share our message, even when she was going through her own tough times.”

A post-mortem examination will be held to determine the cause of death.

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 and Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.