THE boyfriend of slain Melbourne woman Elly Warren has told of his heartbreak over her death in Mozambique and says she will be remembered for her “beautiful heart”.
Elly Warren was murdered while she was travelling and volunteering in the southern Africa country. The 20-year-old had been due to return to Australia in just a few days before she and boyfriend Luke Tempany went to New Zealand together.
Mr Tempany told news.com.au he would always remember her adventurous spirit.
“I want her to be remembered for her love of the oceans...she had such beautiful heart that wanted to travel the world ...” he said.
She especially loved exploring caves and “cared greatly about the safety and well being of the ocean”.
“She was very loving towards her family especially her little brother Sam she will be deeply missed by me and it of plenty of others.”
Ms Warren had been backpacking in Mozambique for three months where she spent time with a diving group and as a volunteer, teaching African children how to swim.
A spokesman from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said they were “providing consular assistance to the family of a woman who died in Mozambique” but couldn’t provide more details about her death.
Sister Kristy Warren said the family had been told she had been murdered.
“My sister was in Africa while 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,” she wrote on Facebook.
Elly WarrenSource:Facebook
Elly Warren with her boyfriend Luke Tempany.Source:Facebook
Luke Tempany shared this picture of him and girlfriend Elly Warren after learning she had been killed in Mozambique.Source:Facebook
“It is a parent’s nightmare to get a phone call like this. Elly was always ambitious and had so many goals to go travelling but maybe she had too many. Rest in peace Elly, you are loved dearly.”
She urged people to take care while they were travelling — and who they were with.
“I want to say if you are thinking of going travelling or going overseas please be careful and who you go with.”
Her father Paul Warren said she was loved dearly. “My lovely daughter Elly passed away yesterday when overseas. I loved her dearly and I will miss her so much.She is now with God.”
Friend Taylah Whatley said: I love you so much Elly Warren, rest in peace beautiful girl. You didn’t deserve this. Will miss you and your bubbly energy so incredibly much Elly
Another friend, Jade Davey, posted online of her heartbreak.
“To my beautiful Elly Warren may you rest in peace , my heart is breaking . It’s cruel world and you never deserved such evil to take you away.”
Melbourne girl murdered in Mozambique, Elly Warren.Source:Facebook
Riley Mac wrote: “5 years of knowing you and hearing about what has happened makes my stomach turn. From listening to your talks at Main Street of wanting to travel the world and make a difference and this is how your kind soul gets repaid.
Heaven has truly claimed another angel. rest in peace.”
“Rest in peace your gorgeous girl. You were actually such a beautiful person who knew exactly what she wanted in life and it is devastating that you were taken before all you’re dreams could come true. I hope you get to see the rest of the world from up there xxx,” wrote Claudia Hall.
More to come.