Tributes flow for Victorian woman who drowned on holiday in Cambodia

A YOUNG Victorian woman from Perth has died, reportedly in a flash flood, while on holiday in Cambodia.

Victorian woman Kristy Blackney has drowned in Cambodia. Picture: Supplied

A YOUNG Victorian woman from Perth has died while on holiday in Cambodia.

Kristy Blackney drowned, reportedly in a flash flood, near Kampot in the South-East Asian country on Sunday.

The 24-year-old with a “heart of gold’’ grew up in Inverloch, in South Gippsland, before moving to Perth last year.

Ms Blackney’s family and friends have flooded social media with tributes to the “beautiful soul who enlightened us all with her presence”.

Friend Patrick Monaghan said he had been left in shock by her sudden death.

“You always knew how to make someone smile,” he posted on Facebook.

“Always wanted to chat and laugh.

“You will have a everlasting impression on everyone you met.”

Another friend, Alirra Rose Rolfe, paid tribute to the “free-spirited, beautiful girl”.

“The hardest part of any friendship is when its time to say goodbye,” she said.

“Thank you for the endless memories and for bringing nothing but love and laughter everywhere you went.

“You’ve taken a part of each of our hearts with you.”

A Go Fund Me page to raise money to “bring Kristy home”, as well as pay for her funeral, has collected more than $21,000 in 20 hours.

A spokesman for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said the government was “providing consular assistance” to Kristy’s family.

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@moniquehore