Danielle Easey, whose body was found wrapped in plastic and dumped in a NSW creek, has been remembered as a “generous, kind and beautiful soul”.
The 29-year-old was brutally murdered before her body was found by motorists in remote bushland in Killingworth near Newcastle on Saturday morning.
Police have made a public appeal to track down last known movements of the mother-of-two who "died a gruesome death" and was known to authorities for "drug-related activities".
Ms Easey’s sister, Tahnee, said she is heartbroken and “doesn’t know how to process something like this.”
“I love my sister, my heart is aching for her and for her beautiful children,” she wrote on Facebook.
“You may not be with us anymore but I'll forever carry you with me and cherish our amazing times and even our down times.”
One friend - Jules Williamson - responded to the post, writing “Sweetheart I'm so sorry for your loss. She was such a generous kind and beautiful soul.”
Her brother Brendan also posted a tribute on social media, “My heart is terribly, terribly broken. Right now I’m not ok. I'll hold up. Spend your thoughts on a memory of Dell, my little sister.”
Ms Easey lived in the suburb of Booragul with family but had also been staying at multiple locations in the area.
The NSW Homicide Squad and Lake Macquarie Police District have established Strike Force Furzer which is particularly interested in “any sightings or contact with Danielle since early to mid-August.”
