A young woman who went missing for two days in a state forest has been found dead.
Esmé Caverly, 25, was last seen at Minyon Falls Lookout in the Whian Whian State Conservation Area, in northern NSW, on May 21.
She had frequently visited the park before she went missing.
The Police Rescue Squad, State Emergency Services and the National Parks and Wildlife Services joined forces to search for her before finding her body on May 23.
NSW Police said a report would be prepared for the Coroner and there were ‘no suspicious circumstances’ surrounding her death.
One of Ms Caverly’s best friends Eliza Hall set up a GoFundMe to help her family cover the funeral costs.
‘Her absence is unfathomable and many hearts are hurting,’ Ms Hall said.
‘Her innate ability to connect with and comfort others was astounding.
‘She was vibrant, creative and witty. A young woman who moved through life with both strength and softness. She was a force of nature.’
Ms Hall said Ms Caverly’s mother Rowena wished to lay her daughter to rest in Byron Bay, where she was born and raised.
‘Byron Bay Cemetery will provide a permanent and accessible location for Esmé’s loved ones to visit, to continue to be close to her,’ she said.
‘Esmé was kind, gentle, inclusive and compassionate.
‘The cost of a burying a loved one is significant, especially for a pensioner. Your donation, no matter the amount, will go directly towards the multiple costs.’
So far the fundraiser has exceeded its $15,000 goal with more than $22,600 raised.