Friends’ frantic search for Poppy Reynolds, 22, before her death – and why her mother says the mental health system failed her after losing her brother to suicide
Poppy Eloise Reynolds, a 22-year-old suicide prevention advocate from Bundaberg on Queensland's east coast, took her own life on 22 June 2026 after disappearing, with around five close friends desperately attempting to locate her before she could harm herself. Her death follows that of her older brother Harry, who died by suicide in 2022, and her mother has spoken out to say the mental health system failed her daughter. The case highlights ongoing concerns about the accessibility and limitations of professional mental health support.
Poppy's mother, Natalie Vizer, told the Daily Mail that she may never fully understand the depth of her daughter's pain, but believes Harry's suicide had a profound effect on his younger sister, describing the loss as having "cut us all up with a thousand strikes". She said Poppy did not want to end her life as her brother had, yet also seemed "unafraid" to join him. Poppy had been open about seeking professional help for most of her adult life and was vocal in her frustration at the limitations of the support available. Support services cited in the article include Lifeline (13 11 14) and Beyond Blue (1300 224 636).
- Advocate Poppy Reynolds, 22, died by suicide in Bundaberg on 22 June.
- Friends tried desperately to find her but arrived too late.
- Her mother says the mental health system failed her.