By the Otago Daily Times
The family of teenager Amber-Rose Rush who was killed in Dunedin has been hit with another tragedy after her mother died this week.
Amber-Rose Rush Photo: Supplied
Amber-Rose's brother Jayden Rush posted on social media this morning saying their mother Lisa Ann Rush had "departed the realm of the living to continue her journey alongside Amber Rose and to forever watch down over us in peace".
"Although we are all so devastated to see such an important part of our life gone, and it makes our sorrow that much deeper, we are all so glad that her suffering is now over and she can rest easy for all of eternity...
"Love you mum, you were all I focused my life on for the past four months. Don't know what I'm gonna do now without ya but I'll find a way ... fly high and kick Amber's ass for me," he said.
She died on Monday, he said.
Amber-Rose's sister Shantelle Rush confirmed the death to the Otago Daily Times and said her response to the news was of "total heartbreak".
"I'm lost for words at the moment," she said.
In comments on Facebook, which she gave permission for the ODT to use, she told her brother "we haven't got much left but we will always have each other".
"I don't even have words for the amount of heartbreak I am feeling right now. I honestly thought we couldn't go through any more pain than we already were but I was wrong.
"Unfortunately last night mum went to be with Amber-Rose. We are absolutely devastated and don't know how to get past this.
"Our family will be forever broken ... but mum, I hope you are at peace now with Amber.
"And I hope you never ever forget the amount of love me, Jayden Rush, Ollie, Piper and the rest of our family all have for you.
"See you on the other side."
A police spokesperson told RNZ police were informed late on Monday that a woman in her 40s was found dead at a property in Clyde Hill, in Dunedin. The death was not suspicious and would be referred to the coroner, the spokesperson said.
Venod Skantha in court (file photo). Photo: RNZ / Tim Brown
The Dunedin doctor accused of murdering Amber-Rose was last month named as Venod Skantha, 30.
The teen was found dead in her Corstorphine home on 2 February and Venod Skantha was charged days later.
Amber-Rose's mother Lisa Ann told the Otago Daily Times last month that the release of Skantha's name was no consolation for her.
''Nothing makes this any better.
''I can't deal with this on top of the loss of my child. I don't think anyone understands,'' she said.
''We have to sit there quiet and not say anything.
''All I want to do is stand up and say how amazing she is,'' she said.
Skantha is scheduled to appear in court again in July. His trial is set down for March next year.
This story originally appeared in the Otago Daily Times.
