Natural Products Industry Mourns Loss of Sally J. Byrd, ND – Vitamin Retailer Magazine

On July 18, 2024, Sally J. Byrd, ND, ACC, MCC died at age 66 in Flagler Beach, FL.

In addition to her work as a naturopathic doctor, Byrd was the owner of Earthwave Travel in Flagler Beach. She spent many years traveling domestically and internationally throughout her career. On her website, she described her focus as “God-centered missions, nature-centered adventures, relaxation and fun while traveling well and staying healthy during your trip.”

She also worked as a sales representative for various companies including Tree of Life, Hain Celestial and Dr. Venessa’s Formulas.

Industry consultant and VRM Media contributor James Gormley said Byrd was an inspirational figure in the natural products industry and enjoyed talking with her at trade shows.

“I was awestruck by her brilliant mind, her outstanding command of industry trends and the natural health marketplace, and also by how deeply she cared about an industry that she helped shape,” Gormley said. “What a loss for the world for her to have been taken from this world so early.”

SENPA shared a statement from Byrd’s family on social media: “In our lives, there are people along the path who we meet that light up our spirits, encourage our hopes, and are unforgettable … their impact etched on our hearts. It is with a heavy heart that we share with Sally J. Byrd’s “world” that she is no longer in the land of the living. Her beautiful smile is now in Heaven – where she continues to pray God’s blessings for all of us.”

The Flagler Beach Police Department is investigating Byrd’s death as “suspicious.” David Brownstone, 64, has been identified as a “person of interest” after he was arrested in Georgia while driving Byrd’s car.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Ms. Byrd’s family and friends during this most difficult of times,” said Flagler Beach Police Chief Matt Doughney. “We’re committed to determine how Ms. Byrd passed away, and out of respect for the family to preserve the integrity of this investigation, there will be no further comment until the official cause of death has been determined by the State Medical Examiner’s Office.”