'Fly high you beautiful soul' - Missing Rose of Tralee contestant found dead

A contestant in this year's Rose of Tralee competition has been found dead after a missing persons search in New Zealand.

The family of 2024 Auckland Rose of Tralee Monica Reid had issued an urgent appeal to find her after she vanished from her home in Te Atatu, on Friday.

Police in New Zealand released an alert over the missing 26-year-old but it has now been confirmed she was found dead on Sunday.

Last month, she was selected as the 2024 Auckland Rose of Tralee. She was due to compete in the famous festival in Tralee in August.

ABOVE: Monica (right holding flowers) after winning the 2024 Auckland Rose of Tralee competition 

In an update, North Shore, Rodney and West Auckland Police said a 26-year-old woman reported missing from Te Atatū Peninsula on Friday "has this afternoon (Sunday) been located deceased."

"Her death is not being treated as suspicious and will be referred to the Coroner. Police extend our sympathies to the woman’s family and loved ones," the statement concluded.

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Multiple searches had been established in the area with locals volunteering their time to help. Monica's family had taken to social media to appeal for assistance.

Her sister posted: "My sister Monica Reid is missing. We are concerned and the police have been contacted. Please keep an eye out for her. She was last seen in Te Atatu in Auckland."

Since the news of Monica's death broke, people have been sharing heartfelt tributes online.

One read: "Fly high you beautiful soul! We love you so much and you were loved by so many. Keep being an amazing human up above. RIP."

Another wrote: "This is devastating. Monica Reid was one of the kindest and most lovely people I've had the benefit of working with and calling my friend. I'm sending so much love to her family and friends, she will truly be very, very missed."