Doctor’s death was accident, say police

MONTHS on from the tragic death of much-loved doctor Gemma Diessel, police have revealed how she died despite a “strange” piece of the puzzle still missing.

Caloundra CIB officer-incharge Russell Connor, who has worked on Dr Diessel’s case since her death on the Sunshine Coast on February 14, said investigations turned up nothing suspicious.

The Coroner’s report released last month revealed Dr Diessel’s cause of death as drowning.

“We have finished on that one and it has been deemed as a drowning,” Senior Constable Connor said.

“Coroner’s report indicated no suspicious circumstances and no inquest will be held.”

Dr Diessel (pictured), who grew up in Worongary and graduated from Griffith University, was four weeks into her new role at Sunshine Coast University Hospital when a surfer found her body washed up at Dicky Beach.

Police initially believed the 27-year-old got into trouble during a night-time swim, but her missing phone left doors open for investigators.

Despite extensive searches, her phone has never been found.

“It’s quite a strange one,” Sen-Constable Connor said.

“It’s thought it might have been washed away with the high tide.”

Toxicology was also conducted but police haven’t released the results.

Dr Diessel has been remembered by her family as a loving and supportive woman.

“She achieved more than what most people achieve in their whole life,” sister, Tanya Diessel, said.