Family to bring Olyvia Cowley’s body home to Australia after tragic Bali death

The body of a young woman who died “unexpectedly” in Bali will soon return home to Queensland’s Gold Coast, with her mother opening up about how difficult the past few weeks have been.

Olyvia Cowley tragically died on the Indonesian holiday island on August 19.

The cause of her death has not been publicly disclosed.

The 24-year-old’s mum, Christina Blakelock, and her husband, Tony, travelled from Japan to Bali following the news of her death.

Speaking to news.com.au ahead of their return to Australia, Ms Blakelock said she had been left emotionally “exhausted” by the past few weeks, but revealed they had received so much love and support “through his unbearable time”.

“Olyvia was with us everywhere we went while here,” she said.

“Our babies on the other side need their mum and stepdad and sister home … Finally this day has come.”

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Ms Blakelock has asked for privacy upon their return to the country with her daughter.

“We ask for this respect more than anything at this time,” she said.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday night, Ms Blakelock revealed there was just “one more sleep” until they could bring Ms Cowley home.

“Our taxi man shared a tear together with Tony. (They) hugged, and he wished us much love and strength as we journey through this tough road ahead (what beautiful gracious hearts we’ve met),” she wrote.

“Broken. Shattered … But we still are blessed.

“We know we have a peace that passes all understanding. There is no way I’d personally stand through this type of situation, with out our Lord and father above.”

A GoFundMe page established to help her family bring Ms Cowley home has raised over $12,000.

Its organiser, Shae Barr, wrote: “Our beloved Olyvia unexpectedly passed away in Bali.

“The family are currently planning to bring Liv home to the Gold Coast. To ease the financial pressure on the family moving forward I am asking for any donations if you are in a position to give.

“We all know how much of an impact it can make when a community come together and the Cowley family are extremely grateful for the overwhelming love and support already.

“Let’s help this amazing family get through these next phases.”

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) told news.com.au it was aware of the death of a woman in Bali who is a New Zealand citizen and resident in Australia.

“DFAT is in contact with New Zealand consular officials in Indonesia,” the department said in a statement.
 

Heartbreaking detail in TikTok video

According to Ms Cowley’s TikTok, she moved to Bali earlier this year after quitting her job.

In her posts on TikTok, Ms Cowley appeared to be thrilled with her new life in Bali, constantly sharing videos and pictures of what she was getting up to.

In April, she posted a video documenting the move, captioning the clip: “POV (Point Of View): You quit your job and move to Bali.”
 

In the video she shared a series of images, including the view from her plane, arriving at her hotel and relaxing by the pool.

She also shared images of her smiling with friends and enjoying nights out together.

In another TikTok video posted almost four weeks later she shared even more happy snaps from her time away.

In the video, captioned “POV: You realise you’re living everything you ever prayed for”, Ms Cowley shared photos of her smiling by the pool, eating and drinking cocktails and visiting different locations around Bali.
 

Tributes have since flooded social media following the 24-year-old’s passing.

In one emotional post, her mother shared the lyrics to ‘You Are the Reason’ by Calum Scott as part of a series of tributes.

“This picture is my world … since I carried them inside me I felt every inch of overwhelm and love. From 18 I experienced the overwhelm of a mother’s love!” she wrote in a post.

“I held all four of you in my arms for 2 to 4 years (sic), breastfeeding you and gazing into all of your most precious eyes. Olyvia used to Twinkle my ears, our special thing … she’d never sleep apart from me, I was a mum who didn’t own cots’, we slept with our babies, rotating from bed to bed night after night, I wouldn’t change a thing!

“There was nothing else I wanted more than to be a mum, my job was to be a mum, and nothing else mattered.”

Ms Cowley’s sister, Hope Cowley, also shared an emotional post on her Instagram stories.

“My darling girl. I hope you see all the light you shone on this earth and the lives you impacted, can’t wait to have you home to see the space that has been created for you,” she wrote.

“You would of absolutely loved all of it! You left so many foot prints on this earth my darling sister. I feel you always, see you soon my baby girl.”
 

In another social media post, Ms Blakelock wrote: “My Twinkle. My baby. My Angel. I’ll miss you forever. What a smile, you are someone who lights up the world. It’s hard for me to fathom on days. Jesus chose me my Olyvia Te’a, he chose me to be your mum,” the heartbroken mother wrote.

“My girl, please know your mum’s love is beside you, and is with you forever. You’ll never be loved more. My love for you my dove is beyond anything you’ll ever understand.”

Another loved one said Ms Cowley’s death “doesn’t seem real”.

“Our angel has grown her wings and my heart is broken. The kindest soul. You had so much love to give and I can’t thank you enough for being my shining light in my darkest of days and I wish I could have been there for you in yours,” she wrote.

“Thank you for the laughs and memories over the many years. Until we meet again my darling Liv.”