BY ISABEL EVERETT
The family of Hugh Marutawana, whose body was discovered in Newcastle Harbour, are making a plea for answers and for his body to be returned to his grieving mother in Zimbabwe.
Hugh's older sister, Janet Marutawana has described him as a "Mumma’s boy", saying on a GoFundMe page, "everyone remembers his engaging and brilliant smile that brightened up the whole room."Hugh was a healthcare worker, an aspiring nurse and passionate footballer, moving to Newcastle after relocating to Australia in 2014.
"He loved the outdoors and looked forward to his run nearly every day. But most of all, he made a point of regularly keeping in touch with his loving Mother Nomusa and other relatives near and far," Janet said.
Around 8.50pm on January 23rd 2021, two fisherman discovered his body floating in Newcastle Harbour.
His family believe he had spent the evening with friends on January 21st, and went missing after going for a walk by himself.
"That was the last time he was seen alive," Janet said.
The family are awaiting the results of an autopsy and the investigation, and have described his death as "untimely" and "suspicious".
"It was with great shock and sadness that we learned of his death. While police investigate, the not-knowing adds to the great pain of our loss."
The family have started a GoFundMe page aiming to raise $7,000 AUD to help cover funeral expenses and the cost of sending Hugh’s ashes home to, Nomusa, his anguished mother in Zimbabwe.
"In keeping with our tradition, we would love to have sent Hugh's body back home to Zimbabwe for his mother and family to say goodbye."
"In keeping with our tradition, we would love to have sent Hugh's body back home to Zimbabwe for his mother and family to say goodbye."
