The heartbroken family of Kirsty Maxwell say they will never give up looking for answers as they prepare to mark their sixth Christmas without her.
Kirsty was just 27 when she fell from a 10th-floor balcony during a hen weekend in Benidorm in 2017.
Kirsty, who had only been married for a few months when she died, plunged from a a balcony in Apartamentos Payma in a room which was occupied by five men.
They were questioned by Spanish police and in 2019, judge Ana Isabel Garcia-Galbis ruled there was no proof the death was a homicide or that th e five men could have been involved.
Kirsty's family posted an emotional message on Facebook, saying: "This will be our sixth Christmas without Kirsty in our lives.
"We continue to search for truth and answers as to how Kirsty was killed.
"We strive to find the missing pieces to join with other evidence to solve this heartbreaking puzzle.
"Family and friends recognise and appreciate the support from the public.
"We launched the Kirsty Maxwell charity in 2020 and continue to help others like ourselves when a loved one has been killed abroad."
Meanwhile Almond Valley MSP Angela Constance has welcomed the announcement from the Scottish Government that £40,000 funding is to be granted to Victim Support Scotland to enable them to support the families of loved ones killed abroad, particularly at a time when people need help the most.
Victim Support Scotland provide an excellent specialist service offering financial and emotional support to families resident in Scotland affected by an overseas murder or culpable homicide.
The enhancement of services for loved ones stems in part from feedback from the UK APPG on Death Abroad Consular Services and Assistance.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development office also continues to partner with Victim Support Scotland.
Ms Constance said: “As a constituency MSP I have supported families who have experienced the devastation and trauma as a result of a loved one dying abroad.
"This is especially difficult for any family given the distance and barriers often involved, but the situation is even more complex and distressing when a loved ones death is caused by a crime or suspected crime. It is therefore fundamental that the right help is afforded to such families at a time when they need help the most. "
Kate Wallace, Chief Executive of Victim Support Scotland added: "This grant will make a tangible and practical difference to families who are bereaved by murder or culpable homicide abroad. In addition to the trauma of losing a family member in this way, families often contend with issues and additional expenditure around international travel, language differences, dealing with the legal system of another country and the repatriation of their family member.
“With this additional funding, we can now extend the support we give to families in Scotland to include people bereaved by events abroad. Victim Support Scotland welcomes the opportunity to provide this crucial additional support.”
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