The family of an Australian woman who died while travelling in Africa have said they were told she had been murdered.
Melbourne woman Elly Warren, 20, died in Mozambique while on a diving trip.
The exact circumstances of her death are unknown but there are reports she may have been murdered.
Her sister Kristy Warren described on Facebook the moment her family learned of the 20-year-old’s death.
“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, as I heard that my heart dropped,” Kristy wrote on Thursday. “It is a parent’s nightmare to get a phone call like this.”
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has said it is “providing assistance to the family of a woman who died in Mozambique”.
Warren’s boyfriend, Luke Tempany, said she would be deeply missed.
“I want her to be remembered for her love of the oceans, whales, sharks and all living animals,” Tempany said in a statement.
“She had such a beautiful heart that wanted to travel the world diving all the waters, exploring caves and swimming with all different fish.”
Warren’s father, Paul, also took to Facebook to express his sadness.
“My lovely daughter passed away yesterday when overseas. I loved her dearly & I will miss her so much,” he wrote.
Dfat’s Smartraveller website warns Australians visiting Mozambique to exercise a high degree of caution and reconsider their need to travel in some areas.
Australian Associated Press contributed to this report
