Tributes flow for slain Sunbury woman

Rachel Tyquin has been remembered as a supportive and encouraging person. Picture: Facebook

A Sunbury fitness instructor allegedly stabbed to death while taking a walk on Saturday morning has been remembered as a generous woman with an “amazing zest for life”.

The body of 44-year-old Rachel Tyquin was found on a nature strip near her home in Dalkeith Court, Sunbury, about 7.30am on Saturday.

A short time later, a 53-year-old woman turned herself into police.

“There is an enormous hole in my heart now and I don’t think it could ever be filled”

 

Eva Maria Whitecross, a neighbour of Ms Tyquin, was charged with murder on Saturday evening and remanded in custody to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Monday.

Tributes for Ms Tyquin have flowed on social media, where she has been remembered as a passionate and dedicated personal trainer.

Ms Tyquin worked for the Sunbury Aquatic and Leisure Centre and was an active member of the Sunbury community.

She leaves behind a daughter, Elly, and partner, Mark Lofts.

Mr Lofts penned a moving tribute to “the love of his life”.

“Would give anything to have you back in my arms,” he wrote on Facebook. “There is an enormous hole in my heart now and I don’t think it could ever be filled, you just had so much passion for everything you did and I will miss that every day for the rest of my life.”

A number of her clients also posted tributes on social media.

“RIP Rachel Tyquin, the personal trainer who took me under her wing when I began my fitness/weight loss journey some years ago. You were always encouraging, supportive and willing to listen…” one woman wrote.

Her local council also expressed its condolences.

“The Hume City Council Mayor, Councillors and staff are saddened by the sudden passing of our friend and work colleague Rachel Tyquin,” the Sunbury Aquatic Leisure Centre said on its Facebook page.

By Allison Worrall, The Age