‘Fly high princess’: Father’s heartbreaking tribute to baby Elyssia after murder charge

Tributes have flowed for three-month-old baby Elyssia, who was allegedly murdered earlier this month.

A father has penned a heart-wrenching tribute to his baby daughter, who was allegedly murdered by another man.

Loved ones have rallied around the family of Perth three-month-old Elyssia Ahrens, raising more than $5000 for her funeral.

“My baby girl Elyssia (Ely) taken from us way too early at only three months old,” grieving father Robert Ahrens wrote in a Facebook post, five days after she died.

Baby Elyssia was taken to hospital with brain injuries after an alleged incident at a Girrawheen home on March 12.

She died two days later.

Baby Elyssia, who died on March 14. Source: GoFundMe

A 30-year-old man has been charged with her murder.

Those close to the family remembered Elyssia as a “beautiful little princess”.

“My thoughts and love go out to Sarah, Rob and their families at this terrible time,” said Kel Duffield, who has organised a GoFundMe page to help pay for funeral costs.

“With the loss of their beautiful little princess Elyssia – taken from them at such a precious young age, we are all in absolute shock and disbelief that such a tragedy has taken place.

“Fly high princess Elyssia, we will miss you so much.”

Zach Meier was initially charged with grievous bodily harm but the charge was upgraded to murder following the girl’s death.

Zach Meier has been charged with murder. Picture: Facebook

Mr Meier faced Perth Magistrates Court via video link from prison on Monday.

He was not required to enter a plea and he is next scheduled to appear in Stirling Gardens Magistrates Court on April 28.

The relationship between the baby and Mr Meier has not been revealed by police or the court.

Originally published as ‘Fly high princess’: Father’s heartbreaking tribute to baby Elyssia after murder charge