The niece of "McLeod's Daughters" star Simmone Jade Mackinnon has shared a heartfelt tribute to her mother, Kym, following her death. Kym Mackinnon was found deceased at Tamborine Mountain in Queensland, Australia, on Tuesday, September 2, 2026. The news came just one day after her sister, actress Simmone Jade Mackinnon, made an emotional public appeal for information regarding Kym's whereabouts.
Kym's daughter, Rayne Johnsen, 25, posted a commemorative message on Facebook later that evening. "To my dear mum, thank you for raising me, teaching me discipline & diligence, driving me to dancing Monday to Friday after school for 15 years, the endless weekend road trips to Byron to visit good old aunty Maggie," Johnsen wrote. "You taught me how to be an independent young lady and shaped me into the young woman I am today. You always believed in me and in every dream and ambition I had."
Johnsen also shared photos of herself with her mother, including one in matching khaki outfits and a throwback image from her childhood. She concluded her tribute with: "To the showgirl, the dancer, the star! You sure knew how to put on a show, both on stage and off. I love you. DANCE IN PEACE MUM."
A former dance student of Kym's also posted a tribute online, identifying her as "Kymmy Mackinnon." Samantha Ross described Kym as a "dear dance teacher, dance mentor & dear friend," stating that she had an "incredible ability to make so many of us feel truly so seen." Ross added that Kym "never wanting to be in the limelight, and never taking the credit she so deeply deserved."
"Kym was one of the first teachers to show me how to express my heart through movement," Ross wrote. "She taught me to feel, to move from somewhere deeper, and to find my own expression/style... I don't think she ever truly knew just how much we all loved & looked up to her."
Ross also noted Kym's love for horses, stating she was "happiest" with them. "I'll always remember her light, I'll carry her memories with me. I'll still feel her in music. I'll hear her in those iconic tunes (if you know, you know). I'll see her in my horses."
Queensland Police confirmed Kym's death on Tuesday, stating that a report would be prepared for the Coroner following the non-suspicious death. "There is no further information at this time," a police spokesperson said.
The tragic development occurred hours after Simmone Jade Mackinnon, 53, shared a post on Instagram on Monday asking for public assistance to find her sister. Kym was last seen on Guanaba Road at Tamborine Mountain. Simmone, known for her role as Stevie Hall on "McLeod's Daughters" from 2003 to 2009, urged followers to share the post and contact Policelink with any information.
Her former co-star Rodger Corser offered support in the comments, writing, "Dear Simmy, can only imagine how you're feeling right now. Let's get her found. Much love, Sharing now."
Simmone replied to Corser, stating, "Thank you so much, buddy, we really appreciate it."