The body of a woman found 30ft up an oak tree in Australia has been identified as a missing American tourist.
The decomposing remains of Melissa Joy Dietzel were discovered by a Sydney tree surgeon after residents complained of a foul smell coming from the tree.
According to police, the death is being treated as a suicide, although it is unknown how the 22-year-old’s body came to be in the tree.
There had been speculation the Californian was homeless and living in the tree but that has since been dismissed, the Daily Mail said.
Dietzel, who arrived in Australia in October or November, had been working as a live-in nanny but was let go by the family she had been working for. According to reports, Dietzel's employers became concerned after she began to behave strangely and complained she was was hearing voices.
Dietzel’s body is believed to have been in the tree for around two weeks before it was discovered, news.com.au reported.
An anonymous friend told the Sydney Morning Herald: “She was big about the outdoors so she was stoked about being in Australia. She was the one that cheered everyone up and talked to everyone.”
Another friend paid tribute to Dietzel on Facebook, writing: “She always made me smile when I was having a horrid day. She also gave fabulous hugs. Sometimes it's the little things that matter the most.”
If you are affected by any of these issues, contact The Samaritans for help on 08457 90 90 90.
Dietzel's body is believed to have been in the tree for at least three weeks