The family of Shanae Brooke, an Australian citizen killed in Tbilisi, released a statement.

“We are so proud of all that Shanae achieved in her short life. She fought for women’s rights and safety, gave her time for the underprivileged and was at her happiest when she was enriching the lives of others.

She was a genuine and loyal friend, bringing love and laughter to all around her. She was adventurous, courageous and lived life to the fullest.

We are so grateful to Shanae’s friends who so quickly raised the alarm and began a tireless search effort to find our girl.

The outpouring of love and messages from Shanae’s many friends locally and abroad, including the Georgian community have been a wonderful support for our family.

We are thankful for the Tbilisi Police and investigators for locating Shanae so quickly and arresting the perpetrator.

Thank you to officers from the Australian Embassy in Ankara and the Kordadze Law Office in Tbilisi for taking great care of our family members while in Georgia and the support and assistance to-date to help us through this devastating time.

We would like to thank both the State of Georgia for their offer of financial assistance with Shanae’s repatriation and the people of Georgia for their outpouring of grief, love and support during this most traumatic time.

A special thanks as well to all those who have contributed to Shanae’s GoFundMe page, the funds raised will assist with costs incurred so far and Shanae’s final journeys and celebration of her life.

We now turn to the Georgian Justice System to deliver a life sentence to the perpetrator for such a senseless and cowardly attack. Shanae deserves justice, and the women of Georgia deserve protection from such evil.

If grief is measured in waves, we are currently drowning.

With Love and Respect, Shanae’s Family. Please continue to respect our family’s privacy”, - reads the statement.