Grace Millane's dad David dies from cancer

David Millane is understood to have passed away in Wickford earlier this week after a short battle with cancer.

The Mail Online reports that Mr Millane was diagnosed with cancer shortly after the trial of his daughter's killer earlier this year.

Miss Millane was strangled to death in a hotel room in Auckland, New Zealand in December 2018.

After she went missing, Mr Millane flew out to New Zealand to make an emotional plea for information to help find her.

But sadly her body was later recovered buried in a forest area outside the city.

Grace Millane was strangled to death in a hotel room in Auckland

In February this year, a 26-year-old man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was jailed for at least 17 years her murder after being convicted by a jury last November.

Detective Inspector Scott Beard, of New Zealand Police who led the investigation into Miss Millane's death, released a statement expressing sympathy for the family. 

He said: "The Millane family had their lives turned upside down when David’s much loved and cherished daughter Grace was murdered while visiting New Zealand in December 2018.

"NZ Police worked closely with the Millane family as part of the investigation into Grace’s murder and provided victim support throughout the subsequent trial. 

"Our thoughts and sympathies are with Gillian, Michael, Declan and the rest of their whanau [family]."

• SEE ALSO: Grace Millane murder: man sentenced to life in jail

Miss Millane was strangled to death by her killer on December 1, 2018, the day before her 22nd birthday.

Following the sentence, Miss Millane's parents Gillian and David tearfully told media the verdict was welcomed by friends and family alike.

Mr Millane said that his daughter had been "their sunshine" and would be "missed forever".

Mr Millane said: "It will not reduce the pain and suffering we have had to endure over the past year.

"Grace was taken in the most brutal fashion a year ago and our lives have been ripped apart."