Swept-away tramper was 'only starting her young life'

Yessica Asmin.

The family of the woman who died after being swept away while crossing a stream on the Milford Track say they hope steps will be taken so the tragedy is not repeated.

Yessica Asmin, 22, was swept away on Monday while crossing the swollen Pompolona Creek, which feeds the Clinton River, on the Milford Track.

Her body was found by searchers yesterday.

In a statement issued through police today, her family said they were devastated by the loss of their daughter.

"Yessica had come to New Zealand for a trip and was only starting her young life expecting to graduate with her Masters Degree in Marketing from the University of New South Wales in June this year."

The family said they hoped she was the "last victim in that area of Fiordland".

"They also hope that those who look after the Milford Track take every step possible so this kind of tragedy does not happen again."

The Indonesian family passed on their sincere thanks to all who had supported them, including Fiordland SAR, LandSAR, Te Anau Police, Southern Lakes Helicopters, Indonesian and New Zealand Embassy's, Mortuary and Funeral Services Staff.

They also expressed thanks to her tramping companions, who had tried to save her.

She was walking with her boyfriend, Sean McNabb, and another hiker at the time.

Sean's mother, Anita McNabb, who frequently visits New Zealand with her husband, said said she wanted to stress that isolated parts of the country must be visited with respect and consideration for the elements of the weather and terrain.

She said her son was very experienced in tramping, and it took only a moment for things to become dangerous and fatal.