Sister speaks out after missing woman found dead in NSW bushland
The heartbroken sister of a young woman who was found dead after going missing has spoken out about her sibling’s bravery.
Abbey Lamont-Salter, 24, was reported missing in the NSW Illawarra region on Monday after friends and family had not heard from her since Sunday.
Her sister, Casey Knight, issued a desperate Facebook plea for people to keep an eye out for the 24-year-old, saying she needed to find her.
Ms Lamont-Salter’s white Toyota Corolla was then found on Otford Road near bushland in Helensburgh, about 30 kilometres north of Wollongong, about 3pm on Tuesday.
Just over four hours later police officers found her body nearby.
Following the tragic news, Ms Knight paid tribute to her younger sister.
“I think she is the bravest person I know and I am so proud of her,” she told Yahoo News Australia.
“I love my baby sister so much it hurts.”
The 28-year-old also told The Daily Telegraph her sister had had a “rough year”.
“She was so funny, just so funny. When she walked into a room people would just gravitate towards her. She would light up the room. I think it just showed that by how the post about her missing went viral,” she said.
“She was an amazing aunty, she has three nephews and a niece that will miss her. She was one of those people who was just good at everything she tried – I would joke that it’s annoying that she was like that and so pretty.”
Other tributes have flooded social media, with people describing Ms Lamont-Salter as “kind” and “beautiful”.
“Absolutely gut-wrenching news,” one wrote.
“So saddened for the loss of a beautiful student,” her year 3 teacher said.
“She was so, so kind and so beautiful. Sending all my love to your family. May she be at peace now,” a third added.
Ms Lamont-Salter’s death is not suspicious and a report is being prepared for the coroner.
Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.
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