'My heart dropped': sister of young Australian diver killed in Africa shares her family's pain
The family of 20-year-old Melbourne woman murdered in the southern African nation of Mozambique, are left heartbroken after a phone call overnight that shattered their lives.
Elly Warren, of Mordialloc, was on a diving trip at the time when she was sexually assaulted, then murdered, 7 News understands.
Her sister Kristy Warren took to social media Thursday morning, to share the news of the family's tragic loss.
"My sister was in Africa whilst my mum got a phone call from one of the backpackers saying to her that her daughter has been murdered," she wrote.
"As I heard that my heart dropped. It is a parents nightmare to get a phone call like this.
"Elly was always ambitious and had so many goals to go traveling, but maybe she had too many," she wrote.
While Kristy admitted the pair were known for their sibling rivalry, she said she loved and missed her sister.
"Even [though] we had so many fights rest in peace u angel I will always love you Elly."
Kristy warned others travelling overseas to take caution for their safety.
"I want to say if you are thinking of going travelling or going overseas please be careful and (mindful of) who you go with."
Tributes have flooded in on social media, as friends remember the former Parkdale Secondary College student as a free spirited woman with a thirst for travelling the world.
Elly was remembered as a "gorgeous girl" who was “taken too soon, and "had an amazing life ahead."
"Rest in peace you angel ... words can't even begin to describe to you how much I miss you right now," a friend wrote.
Another read: "rest in paradise Elly Warren you were really a one of a kind, such a lovely soul".
"Will miss you and your bubbly energy so incredibly much Elly,” wrote another.
"I'll never forget your huge infectious smile and crazy stories. I love you," another friend said.
Another friend admired Elly for living her dreams of travel and exploring.
"Elly Warren you were taken from us too soon you loved life and lived it to the fullest.
"You are a inspiration to others to follow there dreams R.I.P. ... another angel flies over us you may be gone but you will NEVER be forgotten,” she wrote.
A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson said consular assistance would be provided to the victim's family, but due to privacy obligations, were unable to provide further information.
