Family’s video tribute to tragic Karen
Online tribute to tragic Karen
Published:
A MOVING online tribute has been set up by the family of tragic backpacker Karen Aim.
It includes video footage of her taking part in a bungee jump and skydive, as well as photographs of her with family and friends.
The 26-year-old was found lying in a pool of blood after she was attacked following a night out in the New Zealand town of Taupo.
Bubbly Karen had been on a working holiday on the country’s North Island at the time.
The video, posted on internet site YouTube, also has CCTV footage from her final moments and scenes from her funeral.
Dad Brian, 52, of Holm in Orkney, said: “We wanted to show the world what kind of girl our daughter was – kind, loving and always happy with a beautiful smile.”
The five-minute clip is set to modern Scottish folk ballad Caledonia and even includes prayers to “the person or persons” responsible for Karen’s death.
A series of artworks by the former visual merchandiser, who worked in Aberdeen’s Marks and Spencer, has also attracted more than 3,000 visitors.
Included in the display is Karen’s childhood diary, recalling her days growing up in Orkney.
It was to be the inspiration behind a children’s book she was working on called Peedie Buddo – Orcadian for “small friend”.
The exhibition at the Pier Arts Centre in Stromness also features paintings of her dad’s red Volkswagen Beetle.
Karen was a keen artist from an early age and studied for an honours degree in printed textiles at Dundee University.
She had gone to New Zealand for a second time following a three-month trip in 2006.
A 15-year-old boy has been charged in connection with Karen’s alleged murder and was due to stand trial next year.
Last week, a depositions hearing was held at Taupo Youth Court where Judge Russell Callander chose to proceed with a trial after hearing what evidence was available.
