A Queensland mum has died suddenly in Hawaii while in the US state with her two daughters for a cheerleading competition.
Crowdfunding efforts are underway to bring home the body of Gold Coast woman Stacy Foley and support her daughters.
“What started out as a trip of a lifetime for one of our ZACS families ended in tragedy with Stacy Foley, one of our mums, losing her life whilst in Hawaii,” read a social media post by the girls’ cheerleading squad ZACS Allstars.
Watch the latest news and stream for free on 7plus >>
More than $20,000 has been raised for the family on GoFundMe.
“Imagine coming on this trip of a lifetime and one they had planned and worked towards for so long only to now be returning home without their mum,” campaign organiser Rachel White, who is also the owner of ZACS Allstars, wrote on the website.
“It is not only expensive, but also traumatic organising and paying for your mum to come home with you to Australia, especially when the girls are so young.
“We are hoping to raise as much money as we can at this time so the girls do not have to worry about living costs whilst grieving and processing this incredible tragedy.”
7NEWS.com.au has contacted the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for comment.
Cheer community rallies
Foley’s daughters were competing in the Global Dance and Cheer Games in Waikiki.
Support for the family has come from across the Australian cheerleading community, with the Australian All Star Cheerleading Federation and Australian Cheer Union among the groups to plead for donations.
“This is such a tragedy and one that no child should ever have to experience,” said a post by the Slacks Creek-based Millennium Allstar Cheerleading.
“The girls have been so strong and performed like champions. Please let’s show them all the support we can during this difficult time.”
New Zealand’s Electrix Cheersport said the news of Foley’s death was devastating.
“We are devastated for our friends at ZACS. It’s times like these where the cheer community bands together to show love and support to our own,” said a post on their Facebook.