Police have revealed heartbreaking and mysterious details surrounding the death of 31-year-old Megan Tangye, whose body was discovered in her home in Port Macquarie, sparking a major crime investigation that has left the coastal northern New South Wales community reeling.

Tangye, a beloved local hairdresser and mother, was found deceased on January 2 with multiple injuries that prompted detectives to treat the case as suspicious from the outset. In a somber update, NSW Police Superintendent Jason Joyce said: “Something happened to her — this was not a natural death or accident. The circumstances are deeply distressing, and we are pursuing every lead.”

The discovery was made by a family member who raised the alarm after being unable to contact Tangye. Emergency services attended the scene, but she was pronounced dead. An autopsy confirmed injuries inconsistent with accidental causes, though exact details remain withheld to protect the inquiry.

“Something happened to her,” Supt Joyce repeated, emphasising the deliberate nature suggested by the evidence. Forensic teams have spent days examining the home, with a crime scene established and neighbours interviewed. Early findings indicate no forced entry, raising questions about whether Tangye knew her attacker.

Tangye was described as “kind, bubbly, and devoted to her clients and family.” Friends and colleagues have paid tribute, with one saying: “Megan lit up every room — she was the friend who always listened.” Her sudden death has left a void in Port Macquarie’s close-knit community, where she was known for charity work and community events.

Police have appealed for information from anyone who saw or heard anything unusual in the area between January 1 and 2. “We believe someone holds the key to what happened,” Supt Joyce said. “This is a small town — people notice things.”

The investigation, led by Mid North Coast detectives with Homicide Squad assistance, is exploring Tangye’s recent movements and relationships. No arrests have been made, and motive remains unclear.

As forensic analysis continues, the community has organised vigils, with candles and flowers placed outside her salon. “How could this happen to someone so loved?” one mourner asked.

For Tangye’s family — facing unimaginable grief — the mysterious circumstances compound the pain. Police vow to “leave no stone unturned” in seeking justice for a woman whose life ended in circumstances no one understands.

Port Macquarie mourns, holding its breath for answers in a case that has shattered its sense of safety. “Something happened to her” — words that echo the community’s heartbreak and determination for truth.