Private funeral for Kiwi shot in Libya

THE ‘‘devastated’’ loved ones of the Wellington mother killed on a remote beach in Libya will lay her to rest today.

Lynn Howie, 46, was shot alongside Briton Mark De Salis, 48, as they picnicked on a beach near the city of Sabratha earlier this month.

The couple, who had met in New Zealand last year, were shot in what was widely reported to resemble an execution-style killing on the beach 65km west of Libya’s capital, Tripoli.

Ms Howie, a health worker, had travelled to Libya to visit Mr De Salis, a British oil company executive.

She is survived by aged sons.

Her family issued a statement yesterday via New Zealand police, as they prepared to farewell Ms Howie in a private funeral ceremony.

‘‘Our family has been devastated by the loss of a loved mother, sister and friend. Her unexpected passing has been difficult for everyone who knew her.’’

Ms Howie’s family thanked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and police for their ‘‘outstanding’’ support and compassion.

The investigation into the couple’s deaths continues. Early reports in Libyan media suggesting arrests had been made were subsequently found to be wrong.

A spokesman for the ministry said New Zealand authorities were receiving regular updates from their Libyan counterparts but there had been no updates on the investigation into who was responsible for the killings.

Meanwhile, New Zealanders continue to be advised to avoid travel to Libya, which remains in a fragile political state after periods of civil unrest and the aftermath of the 2011 Libyan civil war.

The ministry’s travel advisory for the North African country remains at the ‘‘extreme’’ level outside of Tripoli and ‘‘high risk’’ within the capital due to the threat of terrorism and kidnapping.

two

teen-