Getty Images/ Facebook Cindy Waldron was attacked by a crocodile in Australia

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Cindy Waldron was dragged away from Leeann Mitchell screaming during their trip to Queensland, Australia, celebrating the end of Ms Mitchell’s gruelling cancer treatment. The pair had gone for a late night swim at Thornton Beach, north of the notorious crocodile habitat of the Daintree River. Onlookers claimed they heard her call out "a croc's got me" as Ms Mitchell tried frantically to save her friend. Senior Constable Russell Parker told ABC radio: "[Ms Mitchell] tried to grab her and drag her to safety and she just wasn't able to do that. "They had been walking along the beach and they've decided to go for a swim ... [it was] probably a very nice, clear night, but obviously [they] may not have been aware of the dangers." Officials from the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection officers were flown in from Townsville to help police in tracking crocodiles in the area as the search for Ms Waldron continued. She is presumed dead.

Ms Waldron’s heartbroken parents Pat and Heather Waldron said: "We are pretty upset. Everybody knows about it. It's everywhere. "There's nothing we can do as such, but we need to be there on the ground to show that we are there, that we care. Our darling girl is gone.” Speaking from their home in Tauranga, New Zealand, he added the family had initially struggled to make contact with the police. He said: "We've had to chase the cops a bit, they haven't been quick in responding." Friends and family have paid tribute to the talented woman who owned a photography business called Instinctive Images.

Cindy Waldron was dragged away from Leeann Mitchell screaming during their trip to Queensland, Australia, celebrating the end of Ms Mitchell’s gruelling cancer treatment. The pair had gone for a late night swim at Thornton Beach, north of the notorious crocodile habitat of the Daintree River. Onlookers claimed they heard her call out "a croc's got me" as Ms Mitchell tried frantically to save her friend. Senior Constable Russell Parker told ABC radio: "[Ms Mitchell] tried to grab her and drag her to safety and she just wasn't able to do that. "They had been walking along the beach and they've decided to go for a swim ... [it was] probably a very nice, clear night, but obviously [they] may not have been aware of the dangers." Officials from the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection officers were flown in from Townsville to help police in tracking crocodiles in the area as the search for Ms Waldron continued. She is presumed dead.

Facebook Two friends were attacked at Thornton Beach, north of the Daintree River

Animals attacking humans Sun, April 10, 2016 See what happens when animal instinct kicks in and they unexpectedly turn on humans and attack, sometimes with devastating effects Play slideshow EPA 1 of 23 Peruvian bullfighter Andres Roca Rey is speared by his bull

Ms Waldron’s heartbroken parents Pat and Heather Waldron said: "We are pretty upset. Everybody knows about it. It's everywhere. "There's nothing we can do as such, but we need to be there on the ground to show that we are there, that we care. Our darling girl is gone.” Speaking from their home in Tauranga, New Zealand, he added the family had initially struggled to make contact with the police. He said: "We've had to chase the cops a bit, they haven't been quick in responding." Friends and family have paid tribute to the talented woman who owned a photography business called Instinctive Images.

Getty Images Woman missing after crocodile attack in Australia

You always had a smile that shined up the whole place. You always joked around and laughed and we're always happy Nada

One friend, named Nada, on Facebook: "Cindy Waldron my heart is breaking, I am in total shock. Why have you left [sic]. "You are and always have been a beautiful soul. Taken away from us so early. "You always had a smile that shined up the whole place. You always joked around and laughed and we're always happy." In another Facebook post, friend Chelle wrote: "I can't believe this has happened to such a beautiful person. Thinking back on some great times. Cindy Waldron you will be deeply missed..."

Ms Waldron who has lived in in the Blue Mountains suburb of Leura, Australia, for 26 years, after growing up in New Zealand, has not received sympathy from some Australians who said her apparent death was the result of "stupidity" and Federal MP Warren Entsch called it "avoidable". It is understood a five-metre crocodile was spotted this month off the same beach Ms Waldron and Ms Mitchell encountered the crocodile.

Animals attacking humans Sun, April 10, 2016 See what happens when animal instinct kicks in and they unexpectedly turn on humans and attack, sometimes with devastating effects Play slideshow EPA 1 of 23 Peruvian bullfighter Andres Roca Rey is speared by his bull

Facebook Cindy Waldron a photographer in Australia is assumed dead

You always had a smile that shined up the whole place. You always joked around and laughed and we're always happy Nada

One friend, named Nada, on Facebook: "Cindy Waldron my heart is breaking, I am in total shock. Why have you left [sic]. "You are and always have been a beautiful soul. Taken away from us so early. "You always had a smile that shined up the whole place. You always joked around and laughed and we're always happy." In another Facebook post, friend Chelle wrote: "I can't believe this has happened to such a beautiful person. Thinking back on some great times. Cindy Waldron you will be deeply missed..."