Neve’s heartbreaking story is unfortunately not an isolated case. In the last two years her mental health has drastically declined leaving critics to ask how well the available mental health services are working. Neve fought hard against her mental health demons. Although she was able to get the help she needed, she unfortunately died from her injuries on November 20, 2024. Her final text message, sent at 10:12 AM on the day she disappeared, remains a haunting reminder of her struggle.
Neve’s mental health had taken such a nosedive that she was experiencing feelings of hopelessness and unbearable pain. Although she tried to call and access help, she was met with radio silence from the very services that should have been there to support her. On the morning of November 19, 2024, Neve’s location services indicated that she was in the vicinity of Robina Hospital. She had an appointment at the same time that day. Yet, just hours later, she vanished.
Her family and friends were left heartbroken when her body was found the following day in a remote bushland track. Her final days highlighted the moral failure of our current mental health system. This has led to increased scrutiny of their communication processes.
A Series of Desperate Attempts
Neve’s ongoing battle with mental health challenges deepened throughout the years, leading to several suicide attempts. At times she struggled with despair and loneliness, for which she would find comfort in talks with her intimate friend Sally Wright. For nearly a year, Sally documented Neve’s journey day by day. This amazing devotion speaks to the power of their bond and Sally’s determination to protect Neve at all costs.
On the morning of November 19, Sally texted Neve, begging her to activate her location services. She had hoped this would provide a more accurate tracking method and prevent Neve from wandering off unsafely. Despite these efforts, Neve sent her final message at exactly 10:12 AM that day.
Many today interpret this message as an eerie epitaph or as a cutting lament for the nation’s current state.
“That was obviously a cry for help and a statement of intent,” – Dr. Philip Morris.
After Neve sent her first message, her phone’s location pin unexpectedly shut off. This set off a frantic search among her concerned family and friends. Her outreach done, the quiet descended upon her. Not surprisingly, many are now asking why the mental health services she sought help from didn’t respond.
Unanswered Questions and Flawed Reports
After Neve’s death, Sally was finally given a copy of the full Root Cause Analysis (RCA) report in May 2025. She condemned the experience as appalling. She remained adamant about fatal flaws in the report, which totally neglected the key points in Neve’s case.
“After six months of waiting, nothing could have prepared me for what I read,” – Sally.
Dr. Philip Morris was on the same wavelength, sharing his sorrow for the lack of a response seen to Neve’s last-ditch plea. He pressed for probes into whether the phone was used as an official point of contact for patients in crisis. This question is fundamental to the inquiry’s potential effectiveness.
“It seemed there was no reply to the patient’s text on the phone,” – Dr. Philip Morris.
With reference to the negative feedback around the RCA report, Queensland Health has admitted this criticism. They’re committed to deeply reflecting on all clinical incidents that occur. In a statement, the spokesperson for Queensland Health described how they plan to ensure targeted, independent reviews of these kinds of cases.
“We have different methods available to review a clinical incident to ensure our approach is tailored to the situation and that matters are appropriately examined and acted on,” – Queensland Health spokesman.
They found that mental health services pursue third-party oversight of clinical experts to maintain best clinical practices.
“In complex cases, our mental health services seek oversight and input from external experts including the Office of the Chief Psychiatrist through established pathways to ensure clinical best practice throughout treatment,” – Queensland Health.
The Impact on Friends and Family
Neve’s death has left everyone who loved her shattered. Like our collective response, friends are still left pouring over grief and confusion as they pick up the pieces trying to make sense of this tragic loss. Ari, a lifelong friend, told stories about how Neve’s warmth had changed the course of his life.
“You are the most kind-hearted girl who saved my life,” – Ari.
The tragic context of Neve’s death is a sobering reminder of the need for mental health care that responds to the moment. As communities rally for change, there is hope that Neve’s story will inspire improvements in how mental health services respond to individuals in crisis.
