News by Chris Calcino Premium Content  A BRAVE Cairns mum who inspired thousands with her tale of survival after sustaining burns 85 per cent of her body in a house fire has died. Carol Ann Mayer endured more than 100 excruciating operations after her home was engulfed in flames in 2000. Her toddler son, Zac, was rescued from the inferno without injury. Doctors never expected Ms Mayer to last the night and even talked about switching off life support, but she never stopped fighting. Carol Mayer survived a horrific house fire that left her with severe burns to 85 per cent of her body.