The family of a New Zealand-born girl killed in the terrorist attacks in Norway are mourning their "beautiful, caring and vigorous girl".
Sharidyn Meegan Ngahiwi Svebakk-Bohn, 14, was this morning confirmed by Norwegian police to have been among those killed when Anders Behring Breivik went on a rampage at a youth camp on an island in Oslo.
Norwegian police this morning released the names of another 13 names of victims in the attacks. Sharidyn was the youngest of those named, who were mainly teenagers.
At least 76 died in the shootings on Utoya Island and in bombing in central Oslo.
Sharidyn was born in New Zealand, however grew up in Norway, and has dual New Zealand/Norwegian citizenship.
Her parents and two younger sisters said they are filled with "immense grief and deep sorrow" at the confirmation of her death.
"It is impossible to describe the excruciating pain that we have felt as we have waited for news from the authorities. But we are comforted by the knowledge that our daughter has been found and identified," her family said in a statement.
"Sharidyn was a courageous young lady who took every challenge with ease. One of her strongest qualities was her ability to care for others. She was a proud big sister to her two younger sisters, and she loved to care for them as a big sister.
Sharidyn had been a member of the party for around a year and her trip to Utoya Island with the group was her first.
"From telephone conversations and a constant flow of text messages in the days leading up to her death, we know that she loved being together with her friends on the island which is why it is difficult to comprehend that her life ended so tragically.
It is impossible to describe the excruciating pain that we have felt as we have waited for news from the authorities. But we are comforted by the knowledge that our daughter has been found and identified."
A Facebook page been set up in honour of Sharidyn.
- Herald Online, NZPA