08-08-2025
‘Serial killer': Cops forced to issue message on viral fear after string of deaths on the Gold Coast
Queensland authorities have clapped back at theories a 'serial killer' is on the loose after a string of mysterious deaths on the Gold Coast.
Four bodies were found in the state's waters over a five-day period last month.
It began on July 19, when the body of a man in his sixties was discovered on the rocks at Tallebudgera Creek's Echo Beach.
Local grandmother Elizabeth Kelly, 73, was then found dead on the beach outside the Palm Beach SLC on the morning of Sunday, July 20.
A deceased man believed to be aged in his twenties was also discovered in the vicinity of a swimming pool at Main St, Varsity Lakes, that day.
Finally, on the afternoon of July 23, the body of a woman was found floating in Currumbin Creek near Whitsunday Dr.
Police have deemed all of the deaths non-suspicious, but that didn't stop local content creator Big Daddy News, who boasts more than 160,000 followers on TikTok, from warning his followers that 'there may be a serial killer active in Australia in Queensland the Gold Coast'.
'There are no updated news about these multiple deaths and they are happening consecutively weeks apart (sic),' the man said.
'People are scared and people want answers, and the online community is basically crying for help saying that, is this a serial killer?
'Most people are saying, yes it is.'
The video was flooded with supportive comments from other online sleuths.
'Two bodies is a coincidence. Three bodies is a pattern. Five bodies is a serial killer,' one claimed.
'Detectives will keep any information about serial killers low because it creates panic,' another insisted.
Gold Coast personal trainer Aaron Boundy added to the confusion when he made a TikTok claiming there was a 'murderer on the loose' in the Gold Coast.
'There's been four dead bodies found within a 10km radius of each other, which happens to be in the area I live,' Mr Boundy said in the frantic video filmed in his car.
'Is this not f***ed? Why isn't this being documented more?
'...Four dead bodies, 10 kilometre radius in two weeks. Can we f***ing panic a bit?'
In response to the swirling online rumours, Queensland Police have called for calm.
'Now, we have had a whole lot of deaths in the last two weeks,' Acting Superintendent Michelle Piket told reporters last Monday.
'There are a lot of conspiracy theories floating around on social media.
'So, I'd just like to tell everyone, please don't believe what you see on social media.
'All of these matters were unrelated and non-suspicious and have been referred to the coroner.
'We know that they're non-suspicious, we've done our investigations, and we're happy with what's happened (with those investigations).'
Queensland Police's official TikTok account also replied to Mr Boundy's video last Monday.
'Hey QLD, we want to reassure the public that there is no risk to community safety,' the account said.
'All matters are being treated as non-suspicious and unrelated.'
Mr Boundy wasn't satisfied, however, falsely claiming that the body of the woman found in Carrumbin Creek had been 'wrapped in plastic' and 'tied up'.
A police spokesperson said at the time the woman was found fully clothed and wearing a backpack with a rope tied at the front holding the shoulder straps together.
