Barbara Adelt has paid tribute to her granddaughter, Lilie James, who was murdered in a bathroom at a Sydney school last week, describing her as a “beautiful, beautiful young woman” who was “so full of life”.
Speaking to 2BG radio on Monday, Barbara Adelt said the family “cannot understand” why Lilie was taken from them.
Last week, 21-year-old Lilie James, a university student who worked as a water polo coach at St Andrew’s Cathedral School, was found dead with brutal head wounds at the elite private school.
A police search for her suspected murderer, colleague Paul Thijssen, was discontinued after a body was recovered in Sydney’s eastern suburbs on Friday.
Her grandmother said the family was absolutely devastated, and reflected on Lilie’s life in a beautiful tribute on Monday.
“Some people come into this world – I think they’re so special and they don’t stay long – I think that was my granddaughter,” Adelt said.
“I remember the day she was born, bright as a button coming out and never stopped since then – just kept learning and having fun.
“She had a lot of fun, Lilie, and she was so kind to everybody else.”
Barbara described Lilie as a “loyal person” who would have been heartened to see the outpouring of community support since her death.
“I’d say to her, ‘Look, Lilie, they’re all turning out for you…She’d love that.”
“People have just been absolutely wonderful…” she said, adding that the family just “cannot understand why this would happen to her”.
Barbara offered a glimpse into the life of Lilie, explaining that she always kept herself busy whether it be with sport, work or her university studies.
“She went to uni, she worked four and a half days a week, she coached swimming, she coached water polo, she played water polo. She had to give up her ballet lessons, which was a shame but she couldn’t fit them in,” she said.
“A beautiful person..A beautiful, beautiful young woman and so full of life.”
Asked by radio host Ben Fordham how she was staying strong, Barbara said: “I’ve got a daughter who has been in hospital for 10 weeks, she’s very sick. I’ve got to [stay strong]. I’ve got no choice.”
Community members paid tribute to Lilie on Monday morning, laying flowers outside St Andrew’s Cathedral School. The school has now reopened after it closed for two days last week.
Close family friends have set up a Go Fund Me page for Lilie James’ family. You can find it here.
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