Melbourne woman Elly Warren’s body makes tragic return home

THE body of a young woman raped and murdered in Africa on a backpacking holiday will be returned to her Melbourne family this weekend, days after she was due to fly home herself.

Elly Rose Warren was tragically killed while travelling in Mozambique. Picture: Supplied.

THE body of a young woman who was tragically raped and murdered in southern Africa will return to Australian shores this weekend.

Elly Rose Warren, 20, was due back to her Mordialloc home on Monday after backpacking around Mozambique for three months, but her family received news of her death last Wednesday.

Elly had been working with a diving group and volunteering to teach African children how to swim.

Elly spent her time in Mozambique teaching African kids how to swim. Picture: Supplied.

In a statement released by Elly’s family tonight, the Cafarella’s and the Warren’s told the Herald Sun an autopsy had been conducted and Elly’s body would be brought back to Australia on Sunday.

Step-dad Dave Cafarella said Elly’s family would like her to be remembered as a free spirit, compassionate and “a fiercely determined young woman”.

“She was and will always be much loved by her family and many friends,” Mr Cafarella said.

“Our main focus is to get our girl home now and treat her with dignity and respect she deserves.”

Elly’s boyfriend Luke Tempany said she would be forever in his heart.

“Her laugh and smile will be remembered by everyone who knew her,” Mr Tempany said.

“I love you Elly, you will always be in my heart.”

A death notice read: “Elly, we loved hearing your stories, your adventures in far away places, your passion for diving and all things sea”.

“You were a free spirit who followed your mind in the pursuit of what you wanted to be.

“This has been tragically cut-off, but not in our hearts and minds. Rest in peace”

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Twitter: @cassiezervos