More than 'just a victim': Friends' emotional farewell to Warriena Wright
The name Warriena Wright will forever be associated with a horrific Gold Coast balcony accident and the much publicised court case that followed, however her close friends have come forward to tell the world she was more than “just a victim”.
A week after Gable Tostee was acquitted of murder and manslaughter, Kaitlyn Cooper-Craill and Hayley Cason took to Facebook to share a side of Warriena Wright the world was never told about.
“For us Rrie was not just a victim... she’s a real person who is loved and missed everyday. She is a dear and beautiful friend who deserves to be remembered for all the good she put out into the world and for all the kind and gentle things she did for her friends and family,” the Wellington locals wrote.
“We are truly blown away by the pure strength and dignity Rrie’s family have shown throughout this horrific time, and we continue to send our love and support in the times to come.”
The pair said that hearing certain evidence in the murder trial was a challenging time for those close to “Rrie” but thanked investigators and Crown prosecutors for bringing the case to court.
“Although one very important piece has been unfairly taken from us she will be forever remembered and carried in our hearts.”
Their glowing view of Ms Wright was one not shared by Lizzi Evans, another New Zealander who this week claimed to be Gable Tostee’s girlfriend.
Labeling Ms Wright as a “phycho (sic) drunk”, Evans also took to social media in an effort to defend her much-maligned boyfriend.
“You continue to point the finger at an innocent man who acted in self defense,” Ms Evans posted on the wall of a New Zealand journalist.
“Correct the jury found him not guilty and had you sat through the trial you would understand why but I certainly didn't see you there.”
“What a judgmental and narrow minded report about a situation you clearly know nothing about.”
Meanwhile Mr Tostee took to a body building forum to break his silence on the ordeal, telling his followers that he was unable to “laugh or even crack a smile” in the week following Ms Wright’s death.
“So far I’ve been silent about the whole thing which has left my hands tied while so many misconceptions and untruths are being circulated in the media and in the public,” he wrote.
“Knowing I was the last person to be with her, it has left me permanently scarred and not a day passes that I don’t wish I could go back in time and prevent it.
While I have not had the chance to meet or speak to Warriena’s family, it pains me to think of the loss and suffering they must be experiencing.
