• Kiwi-born Rachel McKenna, 35, was found dead in Melbourne; police suspect murder-suicide involving her partner. 
• Her family described McKenna as a vibrant, loving mother and urged action against violence towards women. 
• A GoFundMe has raised more than $20,000 for funeral costs and McKenna’s son. 

The family of a young Kiwi mother in Melbourne who police believed was murdered by her partner before he took his own life is being remembered as a vibrant, loving, devoted mum. 

New Zealand-born Rachel McKenna, 35, was found dead at a home in Ascot Vale, in Melbourne’s northwest, last Friday. 

McKenna grew up in Palmerston North and had lived in Melbourne for many years with her 7-year-old son Leo. 

The Daily Mail reported her estranged boyfriend fled the scene. 

Police later found him with “critical injuries” on the side of Princes Freeway, where he died around two hours after McKenna’s body was found. 

A homicide investigation was opened shortly after the discovery. 

McKenna’s sister, Meg Trotter, shared in a post to social media that their family was “broken with grief”. 

“She was generous, vibrant, loyal and looked forward to many adventures with her precious son.” 

They described her death as an “unimaginable tragedy” and urged the Australian government to do something about violence against women. 

“Our darling girl is already so missed, forever leaving a hole in our hearts and lives.” 

Trotter said the family are planning a farewell for McKenna and would share more details about the service in due course. 

McKenna’s aunt, Terry Mckenna, also shared a tribute for her slain niece, saying that said she was “shattered”. 

“Rachel was a vibrant, loving soul, a devoted mother to Leo, and a light in so many lives. 

“Rachel’s grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and her many, many friends are also struggling with this senseless loss.” 

A GoFundMe page has been started to help the family with funeral costs and for McKenna’s son. 

The page has already raised more than NZ$20,000. 

A Victoria policeman confirmed to the Daily Mail that the investigation into McKenna’s death remains ongoing. 

“The exact circumstances surrounding the incidents continue to be investigated, however at this stage detectives are not looking for anyone else in relation to the matters,” the spokesman said. 

Rachel Maher is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news. She has worked for the Herald since 2022.