Just days before she was due to fly home to Melbourne, 20-year-old Elly Warren was found dead in Mozambique, south-eastern Africa.
Warren, from Mordialloc, had spent the past three months travelling in the area and joining a diving group. She'd also worked as a volunteer, teaching African children swimming lessons. Warren's family has been told that their daughter was raped and murdered.
Warren had booked two nights at the Wuyani Pariango Beach Motel. When she didn't arrive and her family were trying to get hold of her, they were told the shocking news. There are conflicting reports as to whether Warren's body was found in a toilet block, or on the beach.
Her father, Paul, confirmed the news to family and friends on Facebook. Warren's boyfriend Luke Tempany also shared the devastating news.
Warren's mother Nicole Cafarella told Fairfax Media her daughter was "just one of those girls that wanted to travel the world and see everything she could before she was 30".
Cafarella confirmed that Warren had been travelling in Africa by herself and working for eco-research company Africa Underwater. She had finished up with the company early this week.
According to Fairfax Media, Warren's body will be taken from hospital near Tofo Beach to Maputo, Mozambique's capital.
The directors of Africa Underwater are currently assisting her family. So far, no suspects have been arrested and police inquiries are continuing. The family is also being assisted by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.