"You were our whole damn sky": Tributes flow after alleged murder of young teacher
The family of a young teacher from Victoria are in mourning after the body of 23-year-old was found in a burnt-out car just hours after she was reported missing.
Hannah McGuire was found near State Forest Rd in Scarsdale, an area near Ballarat surrounded by bushland, on Friday after her family had reported her missing just before.
On Sunday, two young men were arrested over her death, and on Monday, a 21-year-old was charged with one count of murder.
The young man is believed to be Hannah's ex-boyfriend, who had been living with Ms McGuire for about a year before their recent separation.
Police will allege the man drove her body to a remote national park and set the car on fire, before posting a loving tribute on social media and telling her friends she had taken her own life.
The man will appear in Ballarat Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.
As news of Hannah's untimely death broke, her parents shared a heart-wrenching tribute to their daughter on Facebook.
Her parents run the National Hotel in the regional town of Clunes, and shared their tribute on their business Facebook page to inform patrons that the pub will remain closed until Wednesday.
"Thank you everyone for your love, support and kind words. Our hearts are broken," the post read."
"You weren’t just a star to us. You were our whole damn sky. Miss you Princess!"
A GoFundMe page has been set up by the Clunes Cricket Club supporting McGuire’s family, and has already raised over $45,000.
“As a community we send our deepest love and condolences to Glenn, Debbie, Jude and Fletcher,” the club said.
“Hannah was known by many as a bright young woman and had a heart of gold.”
Image credits: Facebook / GoFundMe