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Miss Universe New Zealand finalist Amber-Lee Friis dead at 23

WION Web Team
New Delhi, IndiaUpdated: May 23, 2020, 01:30 PM IST
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Photograph:(Twitter)

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Miss Universe New Zealand finalist Amber-Lee Friis death was confirmed on May 18 and had been referred to the coroner.

Miss Universe New Zealand finalist Amber-Lee Friis passed away at the age of 23 earlier this week. The Talent Tree, the model talent agency posted the news on Facebook, "It is with immense sadness we acknowledge the sudden passing of a beautiful and talented Wahine Amber-lee Friis."

The post further read, "Amber-Lee was one of our original Models for The Talent Tree and a finalist in 2018 Miss Universe NZ." 

The reason behind the death so far is not confirmed. The Police said in a statement to a magazine that cause of death was sudden.

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As the news surfaced, many people from the industry expressed their condolences to the model's family.

"Our sincerest condolences to the friends, whom we have just learned from The Talent Tree has passed away," Miss World New Zealand shared on Facebook. "Continue shining brightly, Amber-lee, just as we remembered you."

CEO of Miss World New Zealand, Nigel Godfrey paid condolence to the model," She was a force to be reckoned with," Nigel recalled.

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 "She was feisty, definitely took no prisoners, but she was a beautiful soul and you 100% knew what you were getting. She was genuine, honest and she had an energy few others possess, her heart was most definitely in the right place. We liked and respected her and were very proud to call her a friend, long after the competition had finished." he added.

Friis's 18th birthday was a turning point for her when she decided to set goals, save money and work out. Eventually, she met someone working with the Miss Universe NZ pageant and late end up being one of 20 finalists to compete for the crown.