Advertisement

Friends, family raise $20k to bring Kristy Blackney's body home from Cambodia

Devastated friends and family of Victorian woman Kristy Blackney have raised more than $20,000 in less than 24 hours to bring the body of their loved one home.

Ms Blackney was killed in a reported flash flood near Kampot, Cambodia, on Sunday while backpacking around the country.

Her family, now preparing for a funeral, are working to get the 24-year-old's body home.

Aussie woman Kristy Blackney. Source: Facebook
Aussie woman Kristy Blackney. Source: Facebook

In less 12 hours, the target of $15,000 was reached - but the support didn't stop there.

More than $20,000 has been raised for the family to bring their daughter "with a heart of gold" home.

"We love you Kristy and will miss you so much," friends shared on her GoFundMe page.

"As you can imagine the cost to bring Kristy home are great."

The Arcadia Backpackers where Kristy's body was found.
The Arcadia Backpackers where Kristy's body was found.

Ms Blackney's body was found in the waterways at the Arcadia Backpackers accommodation, 7km upstream from Kampot.

She had flown from Perth to Bangkok on July 26 for an extended holiday travelling across South East Asia.

She told family she was going to stay in Asia until she ran out of money, and was hoping to be away for a number of months.

Kristy's family are desperate to have her body sent home. Photo: Facebook
Kristy's family are desperate to have her body sent home. Photo: Facebook

Friends have taken to social media to pay tribute to the "free-spirited" Kristy.

“You always knew how to make someone smile,” friend Patrick Monaghan posted on Facebook.

“Always wanted to chat and laugh. You will have a everlasting impression on everyone you met.”

Kristy Blackney. Source: Facebook
Kristy Blackney. Source: Facebook

The hospitality worker grew up in Inverloch in Victoria, but relocated to Perth last year.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has confirmed they are providing assistance to the Blackney family.

"The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian woman who died in Cambodia, in accordance with the Consular Services Charter," a spokesperson said.

News break – August 22