Body of backpacker found dead in Mozambique to be brought home

The body of a 20-year-old Melbourne backpacker found dead in Mozambique will be brought home this weekend.

The parents of Elly Warren, from Mordialloc, in Melbourne's south-east, received a late-night phone call last Wednesday, telling them the heart-wrenching news their daughter had been raped and murdered.

She was found dead inside a toilet block changing room at popular Tofo Beach at about 5am by some local fishermen, who alerted police.

Elly Warren, 20, was killed while on a diving trip in Mozambique, Africa. Picture: Facebook

Ms Warren had attended a party earlier that night, after completing a volunteer diving trip.

She was undertaking a volunteer marine conservation dive program In Mozambique run by Underwater Africa.

Despite her family being informed of a suspected sexual assault, Mozambique police from the Inhambane province believe the tourist was not raped.

Detective Dauto told The Age Ms Warren was not found naked and was wearing a swimsuit.

"She didn't have a scratch, didn't have a bruise on her indicating there was violence or rape. I guarantee it. I have total confidence she was not raped," he said.

"It looks like a sudden death. We are in doubt as to what could have happened.

"The community here is shocked, this has never happened. Everybody wants to know what happened."

Mr Dauto feared reports about Ms Warren’s death would give “the town a bad name, like it’s not safe”.

He said local police were still investigating, and no suspects had been identified.

• 'My heart dropped': sister of young Australian diver killed in Africa shares her family's pain

• Police baffled by death of Melbourne woman found in African toilet block

A spokesman for the company said Ms Warren had finished the program with them and was continuing to travel by herself.

The young woman was last seen dropping her bag off at the beachside hostel Wuyani Pariango backpackers, where she had pre-booked accommodation but never stayed.

Ms Warren was due to arrive home on Monday before embarking on a New Zealand holiday with boyfriend Luke Tempany.

Ms Warren was due to arrive home on Monday before embarking on a New Zealand holiday with her boyfriend Luke Tempany (pictured), but tragically did not make it. Photo: Facebook.

The young woman's family confirmed in a statement Tuesday night that an autopsy was conducted and Ms Warren's body would be brought back to Australia on Sunday.

Ms Warren's step-dad Dave Cafarella said the family would like her to be remembered as a free spirit, compassionate and “a fiercely determined young woman”.

“She was and will always be much loved by her family and many friends,” Mr Cafarella said.

“Our main focus is to get our girl home now and treat her with dignity and respect she deserves.”

"The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian woman who died in Mozambique and are also liaising with the Mozambique authorities responsible for the investigation processes," an officer for the department said in a statement.

A GoFundMe page has been established to assist Ms Warren's family with funeral arrangements.

Elly is remembered as a free spirit with a thirst for adventure. Picture: Facebook

"The family will donate the additional funds in Elly's honour to International Marine Volunteers," the page promises.

On the Remembering Elly Warren account page, Ms Warren's family said she would be remembered as "an adventurous, fun loving girl whose life has been cut short in the most tragic circumstances".

"Elly's family are overwhelmed and truly grateful for the outpouring support from friends and the community," it read.

The account has raised more than $7,000 since it was created on Tuesday.