Murdered backpacker Grace Millane's father dies of cancer

November 19, 2020

David Millane was diagnosed after the Auckland trial for his daughter’s killer.

Grace Millane's father, David Millane, has died from cancer.

Grace was murdered while backpacking in Auckland in 2018. Both her parents, from the UK, spent weeks in Auckland as police investigated and a man was put on trial for her death.

Today, police confirmed to 1 NEWS that David Millane had died at his hometown in England.

Detective Inspector Scott Beard worked closely with the Millane family as they worked to find Grace's killer, and again during the trial.

In a statement today, Beard said New Zealand police extend their deepest sympathy to his family.

"The Millane family had their lives turned upside down when David’s much loved and cherished daughter Grace was murdered while visiting New Zealand in December 2018," he told 1 NEWS today.

David Millane's daughter, Grace, was murdered while backpacking in Auckland.

"NZ Police worked closely with the Millane family as part of the investigation into Grace’s murder and provided victim support throughout the subsequent trial. 

"Our thoughts and sympathies are with Gillian, Michael, Declan and the rest of their whānau."

Grace's killer was sentenced to life in prison in February with a minimum non-parole period of 17 years, and retains temporary name suppression.

At the time of the sentencing, Grace's mother, Gillian Millane, said stress had caused David to fall ill.

Gillian was also undergoing treatment for cancer herself during the trial.

David is survived by his wife Gillian and their two sons, Declan and Michael.

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