’I will miss you every sunrise’
HEARTBROKEN friends and family of Jaimi Kenny have paid tribute to the “fighter” and “bright, loving soul” as it emerged she waged a private battle against an eating disorder before her shock death.
High-profile Australians are rallying around her devastated parents, former swimming champ Lisa Curry and her ironman ex-husband Grant Kenny, after the 33year-old died on Monday from what her family said was a “long-term illness”.
It is understood Jaimi had been battling an eating disorder before her death at Sunshine Coast University Hospital, and was being cared for by a private clinic.
An outpouring of tributes and support for the family was led by swimmer Tracey Wickham, comedian Magda Szubanski and TV icons Bert and Patti Newton. But no tribute was more gut-wrenching than from her doting mother, who said the loss was so painful she could “barely breathe”.
Curry said Jaimi was “so loved, so beautiful, (and) so kind to everyone”.
“Rest in peace my beautiful baby,” she wrote on social media.
“I will miss you every sunrise, I will miss you when the sun is shining and the birds are singing.
“I will miss you when the clouds are dark and stormy and when the rainbow appears. I will miss you when I close my eyes.
“I will miss you when I open my eyes. I will miss our long hugs and long chats. I will miss watching, feeling and knowing your love for your sister and brother, your little nephew, Cleo, your Ma and dad.”
Curry went on to say she “can’t believe” Jaimi is no longer here.
“I sit and just shake my head. It doesn’t seem real or right. You will forever be with me in my heart Jaimi. I love you so much,” she wrote.
Jaimi’s brother, Jett Kenny, said he knew they loved each other “unconditionally”.
“I will love you forever. Rest In Peace my beautiful big sister, the world lost one of its treasures yesterday but heaven gained one,” he wrote on his Instagram.
It is understood Jaimi was being cared for by Sunshine Coast clinic End ED, which specialises in treating people with eating disorders. When contacted on Tuesday, the clinic said it wanted to respect the privacy of her family.
If you or someone you know is experiencing an eating disorder or body image concerns, reach out to Butterfly’s National Helpline on 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE)