Tragic detail emerges after rising Labor star Sarah Carter suddenly found dead
Carter, 45, died in her inner Melbourne home on Tuesday afternoon, after holding the title of mayor of Maribyrnong a record three times.
The "absolutely heartbroken" mother of rising Labor politician Sarah Carter, who was found dead in her home in Melbourne on Tuesday, has remembered her daughter as a "great example for everybody" and a daughter she "is very proud of".
Speaking for the first time since the former three-time mayor's shock death, Gaynor Morris revealed Carter was actually due to to fly to Europe with her partner, Nikhil Roy, on the day she died, but never made it to the airport.
In a tragic twist, Morris revealed it was Roy who found Carter at her home in Maribyrnong, after the 45-year-old failed to turn up to the airport. It's understood Carter was treated by emergency services just before 4pm on Tuesday, but could not be saved. Police say they are not treating the death as suspicious.
Heartbroken mother speaks out after Sarah Carter's shock death
The Victorian councillor's grieving mother said the holiday excitement quickly turned to dread earlier this week.
"She hadn’t made it to the airport to meet him for their holiday together," she told the Herald Sun. "He [Roy] went and checked on her and he literally found her dead.
"No-one knows anything different unfortunately." A report is underway for the coroner.
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Morrison reflected on her daughter's courageous efforts during her tenure as mayor of Maribyrnong. "I think she sets a great example for everybody and there’s a lot of people that will miss her. I am very proud," she said.
Former Labor leader and current minister for Government Services Bill Shorten branded Carter "remarkable". "Children's champion, community leader, Labor through and through. The best of us," he said. "My thoughts are with her family and loved ones in this difficult time."
Beloved former mayor remembered for her unwavering dedication
Carter's death sent shockwaves around Melbourne and Australia yesterday, with those in both political circles and in the media paying tribute the dedicated public servant.
The 45-year-old is being remember for being the first three-time female mayor of Maribyrnong — which encompasses the suburbs of Braybrook, Footscray, Kingsville, Maidstone, Maribyrnong, Seddon, Tottenham, West Footscray and Yarraville — and for her "unwavering and unbeatable passion".
In a statement, the City of Maribyrnong said Carter, who was serving her fourth consecutive term on the council at the time of her death, was a "trusted and valued colleague" with her "passing an enormous loss to our community".
"Council is shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden passing of former Mayor and councillor Sarah Carter," the statement said. "She has worked tirelessly to support [her community] over her 16 years on council.
Carter, a member of the Labor party, was first elected in 2008 and served as mayor in 2011, 2020 and 2022. She also worked for charity organisation Save The Children. In 2023 Carter received the Mayor Emeritus Award, which is given to councillors who serve three terms as mayor.
According to some reports about her surprising death, she was touted by some in the party as a future potential Labor leader.
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