The mother of murdered teenager Amber Rose Rush has died, only four months after her daughter.
Heartbroken family members confirmed on Facebook Lisa Ann died on Monday evening. Stuff reports the death is a suspected suicide.
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Thirty-year-old Venod Skantha is accused of murdering Amber and is expected to face trial in March 2019.
Her body was found at a Clermiston Ave address in Dunedin on February 3, police say Skantha was known to her.
At the time her family posted heartfelt tributes to her on social media, her mother saying the alleged murder had "killed our entire life".
I still don't think even I understand how much you have impacted my families lives yet," she said.
"You took away my entire families closest friend and most loved little girl. You really do have no idea what you've done."
On Wednesday Amber's brother Jayden Rush paid tribute to his mother, who he said will be watching over him in peace.
"Love you mum, you were all I focused my life on for the past 4 months," he said.
"Don't know what I'm gonna do now without ya (sic) but I'll find a way."
Where to find help and support:
Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
Samaritans - 0800 726 666
- Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
- Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
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