Freya Duiker remembered after tragic St Kilda tree fall death

A father has made a heartbreaking tribute to his daughter who was found dead in St Kilda. The coroner has yet to release findings on what family called a “tragic accident”.

Freya Duiker, 17, died after falling from a tree at St Kilda Botanic Gardens on January 12, 2021. Picture: Facebook

A young woman found dead in the St Kilda Botanic Gardens is being remembered as a “gorgeous young lady” and an “earth angel” with an adventurist spirit who loved nature and animals.

Freya Duiker, 17, died after falling from a tree in the gardens on January 12. Her body was discovered about 6.40am.

In a statement released on Facebook, Freya’s devastated family said the teenager’s death was a tragic accident.

“Freya, a girl who loved climbing trees from a very young age, fell from her favourite tree, badly injured herself and died,” the statement said.

“Freya was a gorgeous young lady with a sensitivity for nature and animals, her friends, her family and climbing the tallest trees — a true adventurer.

“She fell from a tree in St Kilda Botanic Gardens … on a hot summer evening. She was not attacked or assaulted as vastly stated via social media.

“In future might we all perhaps please respect family and those concerned by not being overcome with assumptions.”

Freya’s father, Simon Duiker, posted a tribute to his beloved daughter yesterday, remembering her “golden laughter and beautiful tears”.

“You are a part of me. If only I could have been there to catch you from falling, I would have taken the fall for you again, and again, and again,” he wrote.

“Thank you for that precious time when my world was filled with your light.”

“Freya was an earth angel,” one woman wrote.

“Freya’s smiles lit up many hearts. I will miss her dearly,” another wrote.

The family plans to hold a beach cleaning session and picnic in Freya’s honour in coming weeks.

The coroner is yet to make a finding regarding Freya’s death.