The father of a New Zealand woman who died after plunging 10 metres from a balcony in Melbourne says he is struggling to come to terms with the death.
Chantelle Klasema, a 29-year-old from from Hawke's Bay, was killed when she fell from the third floor of an apartment. Ms Klasema moved from Havelock North to Melbourne earlier in her 20s.
A 35-year-old man, who also fell, is in a stable condition in hospital.
It's believed the pair were partying when they slipped from the balcony. They were found on Saturday morning.
Ms Klasema's father, who lives in Thailand, said it was "extremely strange" two people could fall from a balcony.
"I have never in my life heard a story where two people dropped from a building," he told the New Zealand Herald.
"I just don't know what to think of all this. She was such a sweet person. She was intelligent and had a big heart. She would do anything for anybody.
"She was a darling."
Police are not treating her death as suspicious, labelling it "misadventure" after a night of partying. Channel 7 reported the man overbalanced and reached out for support, accidentally dragging Ms Klasema over the railing with him.
Mr Klasema says he is "walking around in a daze".
"It's hopeless," he says.
Many of Ms Klasema's friends on Facebook have paid tribute to her on the social network.
"Love you forever you beautiful soul," says friend Bonnie Conole.
"RIP Chonts. We'll miss you forever," says Jamie Vogels.
Police have spoken to the injured man, and the investigation is ongoing. But Australian police are keeping quiet as to the exact cause of the death.
They were on Tuesday examining the scene and speaking to residents.
Neighbours told the Herald Sun newspaper they heard a party in the apartment complex the night before the death occurred.
The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said in a statement it was aware of the "tragic" death.
"MFAT is in contact with her family and is providing them with support."
Newshub.
