Updated July 23, 7:15 pm
Flagler Beach, FL—The natural products industry is mourning the loss of Sally Byrd, ND, ACC, MCC- a board certified and licensed Naturopathic doctor, who passed away on Thursday, July 18, 2024 at the age of 66. The Flagler Beach Police Department reported that as of July 20 the cause of death had not yet been determined by the State Medical Examiner’s Office, but Byrd's death is being investigated as suspicious. In a news release, Police Chief Matt Doughney explained, "Our Department, along with assistance from our local partners at the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, State Attorney’s Office and Medical Examiners Office are working in unison to do our due diligence so that we can piece together exactly what happened to cause Ms. Byrd’s death."
Dr. Byrd was the owner of Earthwave Consulting and Travel in Flagler Beach, FL, as well as working as a sales rep for several leading companies over the course of her decades in the natural products industry, including Hain Celestial Group and Tree of Life. The "about" section of Dr. Byrd's LinkedIn profile showcases the passions that is so admired and respected throughout the industry: "Have a heart to inspire people, so they can lead a healthier, happier life with a strong positive constitution, without pain balanced hormones and a sharp mind. Goal: Live a servant life of leadership, inspired by God's word; to inspire others to live their best!"
Industry Pays Tribute to a Friend and Mentor
Messages of love, shock, sorrow, and support flowed into the Naturally Connected facebook group and Dr. Byrd's facebook page over the weekend, as news of her passing spread. Among the tributes:
"As Sally Byrd was a beautiful spirit who passed through all of our lives, I think this is the perfect forum for all of us to pay tribute to her. I worked with her, played with her and loved her. She was one of a kind who loved all of us. May Your memory be for a blessing Sally."—Jeri Trachtman
"I’ve known Sally since I was 12-13 yrs old and she was literally my 2nd mom. It’s still not real to me. How can anyone do this to another human let alone Sally. This industry and this world has lost a legend."—Alan Cheung
"I always looked forward to seeing Sally. She was the most positive person I knew. She always had the right words and wisdom. I know she mentored so many wonderful people in this industry and has left her mark to be remembered. I do not understand how something like this can happen to such a wonderful person." —Heather Wainer
"Sallly Byrd was one of the true shining lights in the natural products industry. I had great trade show conversations with her when she was at Tree of Life, Hain Celestial and Dr. Venessa's Formulas and I was always so impressed by her brilliant mind, her amazing grasp of industry trends and the natural health marketplace, and by how deeply she cared about the industry she helped shape. What an indescribable loss for her to be taken from this world so prematurely." —James Gormley
"Sally, you were loved and will be missed. You left this world a better place because of all that you did in the service of others. I am heart broken and ridden with grief over the way your life was taken. All that consoles me is that now you can do God’s work with God. I am profoundly grateful for all the wonderful moments you shared with me my dear and loving friend."—Dr. Michael Garko
"I love you Sally. You are now in God’s hands…forever looking down and over all of us. You blessed so many lives, and will never be forgotten. You will be missed. You are loved. I will miss you, as so many others will. Thank you for the gift of you and your beautiful self. Sing and dance in the heavens my friend."—Claire Modjeski
"I can’t believe this. Sally you will be missed by all of us that loved you."—Marge Roman
Dr. Byrd's legacy
In an obituary posted online, Sally Byrd's loved ones shared more about her life and legacy: "Sally's bravery, courage, and joy for life were inspirational. She was a healer in every sense, always ready to offer herself in any capacity whether through her boundless compassion or professional expertise. Her legacy and love will live on in the hearts of those she touched, continuing to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her." Read the full tribute and details here.
Sharing Dr. Byrd's wisdom and insights
Dr. Byrd was recently a guest on Dr. Jeffrey Burke's podcast, Honest Health with Jeffrey Burke: "A few weeks ago, host Jeffrey Burke spoke with certified and licensed Naturopathic Doctor Sally Byrd about a wide range of issues. Dr. Byrd has since sadly and tragically passed - and most disturbingly, in a manner deemed 'suspicious.' So it is with deep, profound sadness, as well as gratitude for a life well-lived, we present one of her final interviews. RIP, Sally."
