Police are investigating a suspected triple suicide at a Gold Coast home.
The bodies of Margaret Cummins, 78, and her daughters Wynette and Heather, in their 50s, were discovered at the Paradise Point residence, Ephraim Island, at about 3:30pm on Tuesday.
It is thought they suffocated.
Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Procter, the officer in charge of Coomera Investigation Branch, said the women had likely died in a suicide pact.
“It is what appears to be an apparent suicide pact,” he said. “There are no suspicious circumstances, there are no offenders outstanding and no one in the community needs to feel worried about their safety.”
He added: “It’s an isolated incident.”
Heather’s partner made the tragic discovery after returning from a trip to the supermarket.
“He is pretty shaken,” Sergeant Procter said. “He wasn’t aware that this was culminating today, but he wasn’t surprised that it has happened.”
WATCH: The women likely died in a suicide pact. Post continues…
The incident has shocked residents of the upscale gated community, one of the Gold Coast’s most luxurious addresses.
“You very rarely have any incidents at Ephraim Island so to hear something like occur is quite alarming,” one man told the Courier Mail.
Another resident said the elderly mother lived with and cared for Wynette, who was disabled, while Heather, and her partner, had recently purchased a unit in the neighbouring building.
“It’s a horrible feeling,” she said. “I saw all the police and ambulances and tried to call Heather but there was no answer. I immediately thought, ‘oh God, I hope it’s not them.”
If you, or someone you know, would like to have a free, confidential chat with someone they can trust, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit their website www.lifeline.org.au.
