Michelle Leahy: Tributes flow for Kalgoorlie-Boulder mother after body discovered during week-long search

The Kalgoorlie-Boulder community is in mourning after the heartbreaking loss of a mother of three who dedicated her time to supporting those around her. Tributes flowed from a community grieving the loss of Michelle Leahy, a beloved wife, mum, friend and volunteer. Her death comes after a week-long search by police and community members across the State, following a call for help by her husband Murray. Michelle wore many hats during her life, throwing her support behind various groups, charities, events and businesses, all while being the matriarch of one of the Goldfields’ biggest businesses, MLG Oz. In recent years she has been a big supporter of mental health causes, including helping bring Zero2Hero to Kalgoorlie-Boulder, and has put her support behind various women’s causes and cancer charities. Friend and Member for Kalgoorlie Ali Kent took to social media on Friday to express her grief and encourage others who may be struggling to reach out for help. “I have a very heavy heart today,” she wrote. “Michelle’s loss is hitting everyone hard in our community. I know that as well as dealing with her own struggle, she was a passionate advocate in the mental health space. “If today you need that extra bit of help yourself (or your loved ones) please reach out to the services that can provide that assistance you may need. Rest in peace now, Michelle.” There were hundreds of posts and comments by people, businesses and groups who knew and valued Michelle, all expressing their shock the search the ended with the outcome they were least hoping for. MLG Oz joined the online chorus on Friday morning, sharing the team’s grief. The business asked for the family’s privacy to be respected during this “difficult time”. “The entire MLG family stands with Murray and his family during this heartbreaking time,” they said. “Our hearts and deepest condolences are with them as they grieve the loss of someone so dearly loved. “ Community members shared photos of Michelle and stories of their favourite memories together, including one from Michelle Warren — whose maiden name is Leahy — who shared a picture of a day they spent manning an art exhibition and laughing loudly. That was how Ms Warren said she chose to remember Michelle. “Every time we saw each other we would laugh and joke about BOTH being Michelle Leahy,” she wrote. “I would remind her I was born into the family and she married into it.” The Golden Mile Art Group said members were “devastated” by the loss of their long-time member, supporter and patron since 2021. “Michelle was a regular volunteer and dear friend to a number of members and the outgoing committee,” the group posted. “Michelle was a rare soul who touched all that met her. She lit up the room with her smile and her absence leaves a hole in our community that can never be filled. We will forever hold her in our hearts.” Close friend Courtney Lewis said Michelle had a “smile no one could forget, and a heart no one could not love”. “Not just myself, but our community, has lost one of the kindest women we know,” she said. “We are heartbroken and sending all the love and support to Murray, three gorgeous kids and their family. Sleep well, gorgeous lady. You will be missed.” The Goldfields Outback to Ocean team also shared a post, saying they had lost one of their own in Michelle. “We know you have fought the good fight. Your ride with us has ended, and now peace, your reward. You are and always will be a GO2O-er and we that are left shall never forget. Rest in peace friend and GO2O legend.” Lifeline 13 11 14