Daughter pays tribute to parent
A woman found dead in Invercargill has been called a “wonderful person” in a tribute by her daughter, as police continue to investigate the unexplained death.
Police were notified of an incident around 9.45pm on Sunday at a property on North Rd, Waikiwi.
Details remain scarce, but on Monday morning, police officers in white boiler suits could be seen entering the property as part of their investigation.
Stuff has confirmed that trans-woman Rae-Ella Milford died at the property.
Her daughter, Atlanta Gee, who refers to Milford as “dad”, confirmed her death. “She was a wonderful person who I miss so much.
“She was a valuable member of the LGBT+ community.”
Gee said the incident was still being looked into by police.
Yesterday morning, police were still labelling the death as unexplained.
A scene examination was being carried out and inquiries were ongoing, they said. Neighbours said they noticed the police presence, and asked police if the occupant was OK, but were not given an answer. Another said they had returned home after 10am to find people in boiler suits and a police car at the nearby premises.
A neighbour described the occupant as “a lovely lady; she was very friendly and always waved out”.
All they really knew of their neighbour was that “they looked after their property pretty well”.
A rainbow flag displayed prominently in the window and used as a curtain had been there for ages, they said.
A third neighbour said the occupant of the house was a “very helpful, loving and caring person’’.
“She brought over tomatoes and veges and all those sort of things, and helped supply a lot of people in the neighbourhood with them.’’
The occupant was often seen out walking her dog and "really loved her animals''. Though quiet, she would always be ready to stop and chat.