Family of Scots backpacker stabbed to death tell of their shock

Published on Wednesday 1 February 2006 14:06

THE family of a Scottish backpacker who was murdered trying to protect the girlfriend he met at an Edinburgh university have spoken of their shock.

Rudi Boa, 28, was killed as he rushed out of the couple's tent at a campsite in Australia to go to the aid of Gillian Brown, 29.

It is understood the couple had been involved in a heated row about religion in a bar with fellow traveller, Alexander York, 31.

It is alleged that York later appeared outside their tent and tried to strangle Miss Brown.

Gillian's mother Jenny, 53, from Nairn, said the pair had fallen in love when they were both studying biomedical sciences in the city.

She said: "Gillian couldn't have asked for a nicer guy. Rudi had lots of friends. They were just a lovely couple. She's devastated.

"Gillian had been working at the Southern General Hospital in Glasgow and Rudi worked at a hospital in Edinburgh.

"They had been planning the trip for some time and both gave up their jobs and came up north to fill in time before they left."

But the dream turned to a nightmare at the Blowering Holiday Park, where the couple stopped to pick peaches to raise money.

Mr Boa's aunt Marie Chisholm, from North Kessock, said: "The guy came up and tried to strangle Gill. Rudi rushed out of the tent to save her and got stabbed."

Graham Paxton, head of service of clinical services and non-clinical support with NHS Lothian, said: "Rudi had many friends and colleagues within the NHS in Edinburgh. All of us were shocked and saddened by the news of his death during what should have been such a happy and fulfilling time.

"He was known as a kind and caring person and will be sadly missed by those who knew him. Our sympathies are also with his family and Gillian."