A much-loved pharmacist and mother has been identified as the woman who died in a diving incident off a popular tourist spot.
Josephine “Jo” Host, 46, from Peregian Beach, was found unconscious in the water off Point Cartwright at Buddina, Sunshine Coast, shortly after 9am on Sunday, November 8.
Emergency services were unable to revive her and she was pronounced dead at the scene.
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Her death was announced by Mooloolaba Beach Pharmacy, the business she owned and led, in an emotional tribute shared on social media on Tuesday.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our much-loved owner and team leader, Jo Host, following a recent diving incident,” the pharmacy said.
“Jo was an incredible person whose passion, dedication and enthusiasm for pharmacy and healthcare touched the lives of so many.
“Her commitment to her patients, her team and the wider pharmaceutical industry was unwavering, and the positive impact she made will never be forgotten.”
Jo was a ‘force of nature’
The pharmacy said Host was much more than a business owner, remembering her as a devoted partner, mother and friend.
“She will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside her,” the tribute read.
The post attracted dozens of messages from friends, former colleagues and customers, who remembered Host for her warmth, energy and dedication to her patients.
One former colleague, who had worked alongside Host, remembered her as a “force of nature”.
“Such sad news to hear. I worked with Jo at Peregian Beach Pharmacy and she was a force of nature, so much drive for life and her love for pharmacy and patients/customers,” they wrote.
A longtime customer said Host had cared for her and her husband for many years.
“Jo has cared for Ron and I for many years – we will miss her cheery welcomes and professional attention,” they wrote.
Another former colleague remembered her as an exceptional boss, while others sent condolences to her family and pharmacy team.
Police said the circumstances surrounding her death remained under investigation, but the incident was not being treated as suspicious.
Police had appealed for help locating Host’s diving mask and respirator, believed to have floated away during the incident.
The equipment has since been handed in to Water Police and is undergoing forensic testing.
