The body of British backpacker has been formally identity and returned to her family.
Grace Millane, 22, from Essex disappeared in Auckland on December 1st. Police ended the search on Sunday after her body was found on the outskirts of the city.
The shovel police had been searching for is located, the item was recovered earlier today as a result of CCTV footage.
In the next few days the body will be returned to her family as they start to organise taking her home. The work will continue to piece together exactly what happened to Grace as police start to build a timeline of events.
Statement by David Millane and family:
“Grace went off to travel the world in mid-October and arrived in New Zealand on the 20th November.
By the amount of pictures and messages we received she clearly loved this country, its people and the lifestyle.
After the disappearance of Grace on 1st December 2018 our whole world turned upside down.
I arrived in Auckland on Friday 7th December, followed by my brother Martin on Saturday 8th.
From that very first moment we have been astounded by the level of concern, sympathy and selfless help from every person we have met.
Auckland Police have carried out the most concise, stringent and thorough investigation.
The team, consisting at times of over 24 officers have worked arduous long hours without a day off, little sleep or rest in helping to resolve this heinous crime.
The media and press have been superb in their coverage and reporting of the events surrounding Grace’s tragic final days.
They have not intruded into our life and have been respectful and courteous at all times.
Gill, Michael, Declan and myself would sincerely like to thank everybody involved and express our most profound gratitude.
In this difficult situation where everybody is a true hero it is sometimes difficult to single out certain people.
Despite this we would like to offer our most sincere thanks and everlasting gratitude to;
Detective Inspector Scott Beard, who has been a most measured, selfless, human and professional face of Auckland Police.
His emotional media statements have made him many fans both in New Zealand and at home in the UK.
Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Brand, the hidden driving force of the investigation and a true police professional.
We all hope that what has happened to Grace will not deter even one person from venturing out into the world and discovering their own OE.
Martin and I had the privilege of attending the traditional Maori blessing of the site which was a lovely and peaceful experience.
Finally we would like to thank the people of New Zealand for their outpouring of love, numerous messages, tributes and compassion.
Grace was not born here and only managed to stay a few weeks, but you have taken her to your hearts and in some small way she will forever be a Kiwi.
My brother Martin and I leave for the UK this weekend to take her home.”
Graces home town held a vigil for Grace, her mother and brother were joined by 200 people lighting candles outside the Fox and Hound pub in Wickford, Essex. Locals that attended said they were heartbroken for the family but praised them for handling the situation with “dignity”.
At Skycity Auckland thousands gathered last night to honour the memory of Grace and all the others who have lost their lives to violence or have been affected by loss. The sky tower was lighted white to show love and support.
