The fiancee of slain Australian surfer Sean McKinnon has written a heartfelt tribute to the love of her life.
In a note shared with Nine News, Bianca Buckley wrote Mr McKinnon was "The light and love of my life. My greatest teacher. My protector."
The 33-year-old was shot several times while asleep next to Ms Buckley in their campervan near Raglan, a popular surf spot in New Zealand on Friday.
Friends and family have paid tribute to Australian Sean McKinnon, who was shot dead in New Zealand. Source: Facebook
A 23-year-old man was charged with murder on Saturday after he allegedly fired shots into the campervan, before driving off in it with Mr McKinnon dying inside.
Ms Buckley fled for her life to a nearby farmhouse to get help. Mr McKinnon's body was later found in the vehicle in the nearby town of Gordonton at 8am on Friday.
Waikato police on Monday said Mr McKinnon's body has been returned to his family who is still with Ms Buckley in New Zealand for the time being.
Sean McKinnon, 33, was killed while sleeping in the van with his Canadian fiancée Bianca Buckley, in the North Island surfing town of Raglan. Source: Facebook
The weapon used in the attack is yet to be found and police have urged anyone who may have spotted a hitchhiker around Gordonton or at nearby Whitikahu during the day on Friday to contact them.
The accused killer was apparently struggling in the lead up to the murder.
A friend of the alleged killer took to social media on Sunday, posting a public photo of him and the man standing side by side. "I witnessed your struggle brother ...," he wrote.
The post comes shortly after the accused killer faced Hamilton District Court and was remanded in custody to appear again in the High Court on August 27. His name and identity have been suppressed.
The accused, who is originally from the town of Te Aroha, had previously posted several photos of himself with his middle finger up - the most recent picture with the same gesture posted just under one month ago.
Sean McKinnon. Source: Facebook
Police said Ms Buckley was shocked and traumatised.
"She is thankful that an arrest within a 24-hour period has occurred and we're working with her and her family, and we'll continue to be in touch with her around her welfare," Detective Inspector Graham Pitkethley said.
"She is focused on gathering her thoughts on the memories she has with Sean and the time they spent together before the tragic events of Friday morning."
