Suzanne Rees was found dead on Lizard Island on Sunday, the day after the cruise ship she was traveling on left her on the island.
Rees is said to have been on a 60-day cruise around Australia. Lizard Island, a small island on the edge of the northern coral reef, was the first stop. During a hike, the 80-year-old is said to have gotten separated from the group when she stopped to rest.
"We understand from the police that it was a very hot day and that mother became ill as they hiked up," said daughter Katherine Rees in a statement on Thursday.
Suzanne Rees was not reported missing until five hours after the ship left the island. Her daughter has sharply criticized the cruise line, accusing it of a lack of care and common sense.
“Mom died alone,” notes Katherine Rees.
The company Coral Expeditions says it is "deeply saddened" by what happened and states that it is cooperating with the authorities' investigation.
