Amy Bowden’s parents share touching tribute on his daughter’s birthday, weeks after her tragic death

On what would have been her 27th birthday, Amy Bowden’s parents have spoken publicly for the first time about their daughter who died tragically of a suspected drug overdose.

On what would have been her 27th birthday, Amy Bowden’s heartbroken parents have spoken out about the pain his family are in after losing their firstborn daughter to a suspected drug overdose.

As family and friends gathered to farewell Amy Bowden in her home state of Victoria last week, her parents Bryan and Michelle Bowden spoke publicly about losing their daughter for the first time.

“It would have been Amy’s 27th birthday today,” Bryan told The Advertiser on Sunday.

Amy’s family have wished their beloved daughter a happy birthday. Pictures: Supplied

Amy Bowden as a young girl growing up in Victoria. Pictures: Supplied by family

“On the 24th of March, 1997, our first daughter was born at the Mercy Hospital for Women in East Melbourne.

“It was at the precise moment that I felt a love that I had never felt before.

“I have loved you Amy from the day I first met you,” he said.

Her parents said in her childhood, Amy enjoyed gymnastics and loved her Xbox and Tamagotchi.

“One of her favourite meals as was having a Happy Meal, especially when her Dad Bryan was playing chef,” they said.

“After school Amy enrolled into university and was accepted into Pharmaceutical Science where she completed her first year and then deferred for a year.

“Throughout her life Amy was a very outgoing individual growing up, she would regularly invite 3-4 friends over for the afternoon. Never had any fear being social; even as a little kid when the family ran a cafe, she would chat with those sitting alone.

“Amy was a bright, happy and well-liked child who had a wide group of friends and family who she cared for greatly. She was a very caring and kind person who made everyone feel loved and welcomed. ”

Young Amy with her family. Pictures: Supplied by family

Her parents described her as a kind, social girl. Pictures: Supplied by family

Ms Bowden, who was raised in Victoria, tragically died in her Redwood Park home last month from a suspected drug overdose.

Her partner Ethan Ross has since been charged with administering a controlled drug after allegedly injecting her with methamphetamine in an attempt to counteract the heroin she had overdosed on. He has not been charged with causing her death.

Mr Ross remains in custody after a failed bid for bail, with a magistrate claiming the charges were “too serious” for him to be released back into the community.

Amy Bowden's father has shared a tribute to his daughter, who died after a suspected drug overdose. Pictures: Supplied

Amy was born and raised in Victoria, but moved to SA with her partner last year. Pictures: Supplied

Bryan said several weeks since learning his eldest daughter had tragically passed away, his family was “at the point where we await the slow wheels of justice”.

“Regardless of any outcome of this, there is the reality that no amount of justice will bring back our child,” he said.

“There will be no resolution.

“I love you Amy and I still can’t believe I’ve lost you. I am heartbroken beyond belief.”

The Advertiser understands Amy leaves behind both parents and her sister, who still live in Victoria.

Bryan Bowden has shared photos of his daughter Amy (right) with her family. Pictures: Supplied

A floral tribute for Amy by her father. Pictures: Supplied

Amy moved to South Australia with her partner, Ethan Ross, in 2023.

Police prosecutors previously said Mr Ross had brought her to his home state to help her overcome her addiction.

“He believed it would be a better environment for her while she was struggling with addiction, so Mr Ross wanted to bring her back to a stable community where he felt things would be better for her. Unfortunately, that is not the way things have gone,” police said.

“We will continue as a tight knitted family, now as a trio,” Bryan said.

“Amy, we love you, and we will love and remember you each and every day. Forever.”

In a post to social media, Bryan celebrated his daughter’s 27th birthday, saying she “should have been here”.

“Happy birthday my love. We love you more than words can ever say.”