Shark attack victim Charlize Zmuda’s mother makes emotional plea after fatal incident off Bribie Island

The mother of a 17-year-old girl killed in a shark attack on Bribie Island wants her daughter remembered for the incredible life she lived — not the awful way she died.

Charlize Zmuda was killed by a shark at Woorim Beach, north of Brisbane, about 4.45pm on Monday.

The year 12 student was attacked while swimming with her best friend.

Emergency services tried to save Charlize but her injuries were “catastrophic”.

“Charlize was loved by many and was such a shining light who truly touched the lives of everyone she met,” Renee Zmuda said.

“She loved the beach, and it truly was her happiest place on earth.”

Family and friends gathered on the beach to watch the sunrise on Tuesday and say goodbye to Charlize.

“She was a free spirit who was truly gifted musically … as well as having the voice of an angel,” her mother said.

Charlize became a Bribie Island Nipper at age eight and was vice captain of her patrol.

“She loved 4WDing up the beach and anyone who went with her knew they would have to stop and pick up every piece of rubbish she saw along the way,” her mother said.

“We are truly grateful for the outpouring of love and support from the community.

“Please focus on the incredible life she lived and not the awful way she died.”

Charlize’s uncle, who joined the grieving family on the beach on Tuesday morning, told 7NEWS his niece had swum at the beach every day.

She was a surf lifesaver and deeply familiar with the waters there, he said, adding she had just attended her school formal on Friday.

Bribie Island local Christopher Potter said he and the tight-knit community have been rattled by the incident.

“It’s absolutely shocking. It’s very disturbing to see,” he told 7NEWS.

“We all love the beach, we all love to go for a late afternoon dip around here — to hear about this, yeah, it’s sent shock waves through everyone.”