TOURISM industry stakeholders have labelled the death of Australian tourist Tracey Ann O’Brien-Maw as a tragic incident that should never have happened.

“It’s sad to note that something of this nature has happened and our condolences go out to Ms O’Brien-Maw’s family,” said Tourism Minister Faiyaz Koya.

“I have been assured by police that a very thorough investigation is being conducted into her unfortunate death.”

Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association president Dixon Seeto said Ms O’Brien-Maw’s death should not have happened in such a manner.

“We are not happy that this has happened to a visitor to this country,” he said.

“Our deepest and most sincere condolences go out to Ms O’Brien-Maw’s family.

“I have been informed police are working on the case and we should let the law take its course.”

Ms O’Brien-Maw’s partially decomposed body was discovered at Waiwai in Sigatoka at 7pm on Monday by farmer Etuate Senikau who was on his way to Nasama Village.

It is understood that she was visiting a friend at Vunavutu Village and was last seen at a party in Sigatoka last Thursday night.

Her body was identified on Tuesday by her brother Rodney Maw.

Police Commissioner Ben Groenewald said Ms O’Brien-Maw’s body had to be cremated due to the extreme stage of putrefaction and assured that a thorough investigation into the victim’s death was being conducted.

Meanwhile, police spokeswoman Ana Naisoro said she was unaware of the veracity of statements in the Australian press that allege Ms O’Brien-Maw was “badly beaten” and may have been bashed to death.

“Any further updates or details relating to the case will be made by the Police Commissioner,” she said.