'It's a horrible feeling': Residents stunned by apparent 'suicide pact' on exclusive Gold Coast island
Residents on an exclusive Gold Coast island have told of their shock as police on the Gold Coast investigate three mystery deaths there after an elderly mother and her two adult daughters died in an apparent suicide pact.
The Gold Coast's Ephraim Island boasts a lavish and secure community consisting of multi-million dollar apartments, with plenty of space to park a yacht on pristine blue waterways.
But the isolated community accustomed to comfort and pleasure was shaken Tuesday by the news three of their residents, all from the same family, had taken their own lives.
Margaret Cummins, 78, and her daughters Wynette and Heather, aged in their 50s, are reported to have taken their own lives after they were discovered after 3pm Tuesday.
Heather's husband returned from a trip to the shops to find the three women dead from an apparent suffocation.
"He is pretty shaken. He wasn't aware that this was culminating today," Inspector Jim Plowman told the Courier-Mail.
The detective said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the deaths as it was "fairly obvious" how the women died.
Detective Senior-Sergeant Mark Procter of the Coomera Crime Investigative Branch said all three women died in a similar way in the same unit and it is believed all had medical issues.
The investigator said the husband was "not surprised that has happened, I think he's surprised it's three of them at once".
Local residents told the Gold Coast Bulletin the mother had been living on the island with her disabled adult daughter for a number of years before Heather and her husband arrived 12 months ago.
It is believed the trio committed suicide following inspiration from a website, the newspaper reports.
One Ephraim Island resident said the community was shocked as their little paradise was typically a "pleasant place" to live.
"It's a horrible feeling," another resident told the Bulletin.
"I saw all the police and ambulances and tried to call Heather but there was no answer."
Another local told the Courier-Mail, "You very rarely have any incidents at Ephraim Island so to hear something like occur is quite alarming."
The secluded island is situated 30 minutes north of Surfers Paradise, connected to the mainland by a 400m bridge.
One three-bedroom apartment on the island built by development giants Lewis Land and Mirvac is currently on the market for over $2.5 million.
"Ephraim Island realises a sophisticated vision of island living," Lewis Land's website states.
"A place where stunning new apartments, villas and homes rest on the water's edge."
If you are concerned about the mental health of yourself or a loved one, seek support and information by calling Lifeline 13 11 14, Mensline 1300 789 978, or Kids Helpline 1800 551 800
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