An Australian man with a “heart of gold” has died under “suspicious” circumstances in South America, his family has said.
Benjamin Goode’s body was found in Chile earlier this month after the “seasoned traveller” left Western Australia to explore the continent in June.
His sister Zoe Taylor-Goode, from Perth, said the 26-year-old had died unexpectedly overseas and police were investigating the circumstances.
Australian man Benjamin Goode has died under “suspicious” circumstances in South America, his family said. (GoFundMe)
“The death is being treated as suspicious and the circumstances surrounding it are still under investigation,” he wrote on an online fundraising page.
Taylor-Goode said her brother was an “intelligent, responsible, sociable young man with a heart of gold”, explaining that with his considerable travel experience the family had “no reason to worry for their safety in the world at large.”
“Just as I had done in the past, I expected him to come home when he was homesick or ready for his next trip,” she wrote.
“Unfortunately, due to his unexpected death, we are waiting for his return that will never be.”
Benjamin Goode had left Western Australia in June to travel through South America. (GoFundMe)
The Perth family is raising money to bring Goode’s body to Australia, as well as legal fees, translation services and funeral arrangements.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has been contacted for comment.
The department told 9News it is providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian who has died in Chile.