Canterbury Police were alerted to a fatality at a residential Timaru address shortly before 12.30am on Monday 27 October 2014 where friends had gathered to celebrate Labour Day Weekend.
Police are able to confirm the name of the victim as 18 year old Bayli Marie Elliot from Timaru.
The death has been referred to the Coroner and cause of death is yet to be determined.
Victim Support are working with the victim’s family who are understandably extremely upset and are slowly coming to terms with their loss.
The Victim’s parents have issued the following statement:
“The sudden loss of a friend or loved one is never easy, but to know that your daughter is never coming home is really really hard to comprehend. Our family is devastated and we ask that the public and media respect our privacy while we come to terms with what has happened and work through our grief. We intend to hold a private funeral for our daughter and ask that the media respect our wishes for privacy and do not attempt to attend or approach us for any further comment at this time. On behalf of our family we would like to thank those close to us, Victim Support and the Police for their help and support. ”
Police investigations into the incident are continuing.
ENDS
Issued by: Lisa-Marie Brooks, District Communications Manager, Canterbury Police District. Mobile: 021 942 404