Key Takeaways
- Velvet Pesu, a 46-year-old Brisbane artist and performer, was found dead during a police welfare check at a home in Buccan, south of Brisbane.
- Ms. Pesu was a carer and taught African drumming to children with disabilities, and was described by friends and family as "larger than life" and "a wall of art".
- The police found Ms. Pesu’s body with sustained injuries, but there was no one else present at the property.
- Wael Abdallah Saleem Alfar, a 36-year-old male resident of the property, was involved in a high-speed police chase in New South Wales and is facing unrelated charges.
- Ms. Pesu’s death has devastated her family and friends, who remember her as an inspiration and a generous woman.
Introduction to Velvet Pesu
Velvet Pesu was a vibrant and talented artist and performer from Brisbane, known for her work as a carer and her passion for teaching African drumming to children with disabilities. Her death has sent shockwaves through her community, with friends and family describing her as "larger than life" and "a wall of art". Ms. Pesu’s love for music and performance was evident in her work, and she had a special bond with the children she taught, including a young boy with Down Syndrome and autistic traits.
The Circumstances of Ms. Pesu’s Death
Ms. Pesu’s family reported her missing around 1am on Monday, and her body was found during a police welfare check at a home on Waterford Tamborine Road in Buccan. The police stated that she had sustained injuries, but there was no one else present at the property. It is believed that Ms. Pesu was caring for Wael Abdallah Saleem Alfar, a 36-year-old male resident of the property, at the time of her death. Mr. Alfar was involved in a high-speed police chase in New South Wales on Monday afternoon and is facing unrelated charges.
Tributes to Ms. Pesu
Friends and family of Ms. Pesu have been paying tribute to her memory, describing her as an inspiration and a generous woman. Maxine Stibbe, a friend of Ms. Pesu, said that she was still grappling with the news of her death, and that Ms. Pesu was "timeless" and "an angel". Azrae Hope, a regular volunteer at the Woodford Folk Festival where Ms. Pesu had performed, described her as "vibrant" and "a wall of art", and said that her loss was a significant one. Donna Gee, who knew Ms. Pesu for 30 years, described her as "incredible and generous" and said that she was "larger than life".
Ms. Pesu’s Impact on the Community
Ms. Pesu’s work as a carer and teacher had a significant impact on the community, particularly on the children she taught. Brian Procopis’ son Alex, who has Down Syndrome and autistic traits, was one of Ms. Pesu’s students, and he developed a confidence and love for singing and African drumming under her guidance. Ms. Pesu and Alex even recorded a symphony together, which was sent to elephant havens around the world. This unique bond between Ms. Pesu and Alex is a testament to her dedication and passion for her work.
The Investigation into Ms. Pesu’s Death
The investigation into Ms. Pesu’s death is ongoing, with Queensland Police traveling to New South Wales to speak with Mr. Alfar. Mr. Alfar appeared in an NSW bail court on Tuesday, charged with police pursuit, driving dangerously, and driving while his license was suspended. He is set to appear in court again on Wednesday. The police are still investigating the circumstances surrounding Ms. Pesu’s death, and it is unclear at this stage what role Mr. Alfar may have played in her death.
Conclusion
The death of Velvet Pesu has sent shockwaves through her community, and her friends and family are still grappling with the news. Her love for music, performance, and teaching had a significant impact on the lives of those around her, and she will be deeply missed. As the investigation into her death continues, it is clear that Ms. Pesu’s legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched and inspired. Her memory will be remembered as a vibrant and talented artist, a generous and dedicated carer, and a passionate teacher who embodied the spirit of creativity and generosity.