The Brisbane and wider Queensland arts community is reeling from the tragic death of Velvet Pesu, a 46-year-old singer-songwriter, music therapist, and visual artist, who was found dead on Monday, 12 January 2026, at a rural property in Buccan, Logan. Her sudden and devastating passing has sent shockwaves through family, friends, and countless individuals whose lives she touched through music, art, and compassion.

Authorities discovered Velvet Pesu’s body during a police welfare check at approximately 2:30 a.m. on the back steps of a two-storey home on Waterford Tamborine Road. She had sustained significant injuries. Earlier that day, her family had reported her missing after she failed to return home following a trip to drop off a family member at a party in The Gap on Saturday evening.

The property belonged to Wael Abdallah Saleem Alfar, a 36-year-old client for whom Ms Pesu provided care. Alfar was not present at the scene, prompting a multi-state police search. He was later apprehended in Kempsey, New South Wales, following a high-speed chase reaching speeds of up to 200 km/h. As of 13 January 2026, he has been charged with traffic-related offences but not yet in connection with Ms Pesu’s death, pending post-mortem results. Queensland Police Homicide detectives continue their investigation, supported by extensive forensic searches of the property.

Beyond the tragedy, Velvet Pesu’s legacy shines brightly. She was a respected figure in Brisbane’s creative community, known for her jazz performances, appearances at events such as the Woodford Folk Festival, and her deeply meaningful work as a music therapist. Her visual art further reflected her vibrant, soulful creativity.