Tributes flow for slain Hamilton woman Carlee Smith after man charged with her murder

Hamilton woman Carlee Smith has been remembered as an “angel on earth” who would “go out of her way for anyone” in the wake of her alleged murder at her home in Victoria’s west.

Messages from loved ones of a woman allegedly murdered in her western Victorian home went unanswered for days before police discovered her body.

Investigators found 48-year-old Carlee Smith dead inside her home on the Henty Hwy in Hamilton on Thursday night during a welfare check.

A 48-year-old man Ms Smith knew has been charged with her murder.

Speaking to the Herald Sun, Ms Smith’s close friend Debbie Ahearn said messages to Ms Smith about her upcoming driving test – something Ms Smith was looking forward to – remained unopened for several days before it emerged that she had allegedly been killed.

Carlee Smith was allegedly murdered at her home on Thursday night. Picture: Supplied

Ms Ahearn remembered her friend as “the most caring and thoughtful person” who liked to help others.

“Nothing was ever too much,” she said.

“When I first had Covid, Carlee delivered three meals a day to my front door, with loving notes attached, so very thoughtful.

“Her bubbly infectious personality will never be forgotten.”

Ms Smith most recently worked as a cleaner for Ms Ahearn before she began taking full-time care of her husband Wal, who died of cancer.

It is understood Ms Smith, who did not have her driver’s licence because she did not feel confident on the road, had planned to sit the practical test last week because Wal would often drive the pair places before his death.

“(She was) an excellent co-worker, made our day just having her with us, providing a nourishing smoothie most days, to give us an energy boost,” Ms Ahearn said.

Ms Ahearn fondly recalled how Ms Smith loved the super hero Superwoman, and would often be seen wearing a T-shirt with images of the character.

“Carlee wore a Superwoman T-shirt under her bib and brace overalls most days,” she said.

“I could go on forever about this angel on earth. They are one in a million, and I had the privilege to meet one.”

A floral tribute for Ms Smith placed at the gate outside her home. Picture: Supplied

One of the last times Ms Smith was pictured alive was at Ms Ahearn’s recent birthday lunch, where she could be seen laughing and smiling with her friends.

Ms Ahearn said Ms Smith enjoyed taking care of her home.

“She has maintained her little block just out of town, loving her dogs and birds, and creating a lovely garden and home,” she said.

“Opened her home to regular cake and coffee afternoons, with plenty of laughs.”

Friends and loved ones also took to social media after Ms Smith’s death, remembering her as a kind-hearted woman.

“This woman would go out of her way for anyone, rest easy Carlee, going to be missed by many, the last person on earth who deserved this,” one friend said.

“I will miss you my sister, my soulmate, my best friend,” another said.

Police arrested the 48-year-old man charged with Ms Smith’s murder in the Hamilton area after discovering her body.

Ms Smith’s cause of death and the exact nature of her relationship with that man remained unclear.

He was remanded in custody to face court in July.