Hundreds gathered for Audrey Griffin’s vigil as her alleged killer was found dead in his jail cell

Hundreds of mourners gathered at a vigil for Audrey Griffin as reports emerged her alleged killer was found dead in his jail cell.

Hundreds have gathered to honour the life of 19-year-old Audrey Griffin as reports emerged her alleged killer was found dead in his jail cell.

Ms Griffin’s body was found partially submerged in the Erina Creek on the NSW Central Coast about 3.45pm on March 24.

She was last seen by friends at the Gosford Hotel about 2am the day before, and was reported missing just hours before her body was found.

Audrey Griffin, 19, was found dead in the Erina Creek on the NSW Central Coast on March 24. Picture: Facebook

Her death was initially believed to be non-suspicious. Picture: LinkedIn

Her death was initially treated as non-suspicious, however 53-year-old Adrian Noel Torrens was arrested in Surry Hills nearly a month later on April 21.

He was charged with murder and 11 unrelated domestic violence matters.

Police will allege Mr Torrens had a physical altercation with the teenager.

He was refused bail and was set to front court again on May 6, but reports have emerged that he was found dead in his cell on Thursday.

Adrian Torrens, 53, was charged with her murder. Reports have emerged he was found dead in his jail cell on Thursday. Picture: Facebook.

NSW Police confirmed a 53-year-old man was found unresponsive in custody at the Metropolitan Remand and Reception Centre (MRRC) in Silverwater at about 4.50pm.

He could not be revived by corrective services personnel and paramedics.

His death is not being treated as suspicious, and came just as hundreds of mourners gathered at Terrigal Beach for a vigil for Ms Griffin.

Hundreds gathered for a vigil for Audrey at Terrigal Beach on Thursday. Picture: NewsWire / Damian Shaw

The large crowd all wore white. Picture: NewsWire / Damian Shaw

Speaking to a massive crowd all dressed in white, Ms Griffin’s mother, Kathleen Kirby, said her daughter’s loss was “beyond words”, the ABC reported.

She said her daughter “brought laughter and warmth to every room”, The Daily Telegraph reported.

“Let this moment be ours to honour Audrey, hold each other close, and stand for change,” Ms Kirby said.

“We will support change. Change does not happen alone. It takes all of us. Support each other as a community.

Cousin of Audrey Griffins Jacqui Grunten pictured next to some candles at the memorial on Terrigal Beach. Picture: NewsWire / Damian Shaw

A man does a haka at the memorial. Picture: NewsWire / Damian Shaw

“Audrey and every person deserves to feel safe. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

Earlier, people flocked to social media to share tributes for the 19-year-old, who was a gifted athlete who placed 23rd in her age group classification in the ANZCO Foods half Ironman competition in New Zealand just weeks before her death.

She was also a member of the Terrigal Sharks Rugby League Club and Terrigal Surf Life Saving Club.

Ms Griffin’s mother, Kathleen Kirby, said her daughter’s loss was ‘beyond words’, the ABC reported. Picture: NewsWire / Damian Shaw

“She touched the hearts of so many people and always had a smile,” one wrote to social media.

“Her laugh was contagious and her goofy self always made us laugh.

“I’m sure many of you have so many beautiful memories, photos and videos of her, I would love to eventually see them all.

“Audrey you are truly loved by so many people.”

Originally published as Hundreds gathered for Audrey Griffin’s vigil as her alleged killer was found dead in his jail cell