Warning: this article includes the name and image of an Aboriginal person who has died.
The family of a Yuin/Yaegl woman found dead in a Sydney apartment is calling for answers and accountability in the wake of her death.
Emergency services found 19-year-old Yolonda Mumbulla unresponsive at a North Bondi property in Sydney's east at 9.20am on Tuesday.
The cause of her death remains unknown.
A 32-year-old man was arrested at the property and has been charged with several offences.
'She was a beautiful soul'
Yolonda's father, Derek Mumbulla, was recovering from major heart surgery when he got the call.
"It was a shock, it was too much ... I'm not good," he told NITV.
"I just want to go to sleep and wake up and this didn't happen."
He recalled seeing his youngest daughter only last week.
"I spoke to her last week, we sat down and talked," he said.
"She was so deadly, she was just the best. She was a beautiful soul."
Yolonda Mumbulla, 19, will be remembered as 'bubbly' and a 'beautiful soul'. Credit: Alyah Pera/Mumbulla family
The pair had been inseparable since they were babies, staying at each other's houses and spending every school lunch together.
"We shared everything," said Alyah.
"When she moved out to her Aunty's, I stayed there all the time. And her Nan lived behind me so she would jump the fence and I'd hear her calling out my name every day to go hang out or do something together."
Alyah's mum called her with the news of Yolonda's death on Tuesday.
She said she's still in shock.
"She was very bubbly all the time. She was so beautiful, so nice. She never ever had anything bad to say about anyone ever. She was very much a peacemaker," Alyah said.
"She was such a caring person, even when she had something going on, she would be asking if we were alright, if we needed anything. She would be struggling but she was always so open to help everyone and anyone.
"She was just the best."
Calling for clarity
The cause of Yolonda Mumbulla's death is currently unknown with NSW Police investigating the incident. Credit: Alyah Pera/Mumbulla Family
"Some stupid person took her away from us," said Derek.
"All these people are getting hurt for no reason: wives, mothers and now my daughter. It's got to stop. Enough is enough."
"I just want to know what happened," added Alyah.
NSW Police said they have established an investigation into Yolonda's death which is currently ongoing.
On Tuesday evening, the police searched a second property in Bondi and arrested a 34-year-old man. He was charged with multiple offences and will face court in June.
NSW Police told NITV that there are no further updates and enquiries continue.
1800RESPECT (1800 737 732)
13YARN 13 92 76
Aboriginal Counselling Services 0410 539 905
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
Lifeline 13 11 14
