Public urged to give Nora’s family and friends privacy

The Lucie Blackman Trust, which is handling enquiries for the Quoirin family following the disappearance of Nora Anne Quoirin, 15, has called for Nora’s family and friends to be left alone in their time of need.

The trust, which serves as a contact point for families whose loved ones have disappeared, said its members were thinking of the Quoirins.

“Please respect the family and do not approach them at this difficult time.

“(We will) continue to support them as they come to terms with this news,” it said as news of the discovery of the special needs teen’s body came out.

The body of a “female Caucasian” was reported to have been found at 1.57pm.

The discovery brought to a close a massive 10-day searchand-rescue operation for the teen, who was reported missing from The Dusun resort on Aug 4, just a day after the five-member family arrived for a two-week holiday.

The Lucie Blackman Trust is an organisation named after a former British Airways stewardess who moved to Japan where she started working as a bar hostess.

Blackman disappeared in 2000 and a search for her ended months later when her dismembered body was found in a seaside cave.

A Korean serial rapist named Joji Obara, born Kim Sung-jong, was charged with her rape-related murder, but was acquitted due to lack of evidence.

On appeal, he was convicted of abduction, dismemberment and disposal of Blackman’s body and sentenced to life in prison.

Obara was charged with raping eight other women and the rape and manslaughter of Australian model Carita Ridgway.

He was also suspected of raping between 150 and 200 women.

The website for the trust said it was set up as Blackman’s father and sister had vowed that no family should go through the same experience they had.

“The Lucie Blackman Trust has assisted thousands of families facing the most disastrous situations overseas.

“It provides unique expertise, practical help, advice and support.

“Drawing on this experience, the trust is a vital point of contact for families confronted with the unthinkable, providing access to both knowledge and, where possible, finance to ensure that every effort can be made and support given,” the trust said.