The woman who died in a targeted arson attack that police say is a case of mistaken identity has been identified as a popular Melbourne artist.
Katie Tangey, 27, died inside her brother’s home in the western Melbourne suburb of Truganina in the early hours of Thursday.
Ms Tangey performed burlesque under the stage name Vivien May-Royale.
Katie Tangey has been identified as the woman killed in a suburban house fire in Melbourne on Thursday. Picture: Supplied
“Friends. The glorious Vivien May-Royale, otherwise known as Katie, was the 27-year-old who died yesterday in the targeted house fire in Truganina,” Cherry Charleston posted online.
“Her mum has asked that I share to the burlesque world so we can celebrate her sparkliness. I adored her. Phoenix Burlesque adored her. And we loved her relationship with her beautiful, fierce mum, Tracey Tangey.”
“Katie’s family is beyond devastated. Please share all your stories and photos of Katie Lee and tag her so the family can know just how much we loved her.”
Katie Tangey, 27, performed burlesque as Vivien May-Royale. Picture: Facebook
The police arson squad lead investigator previously described the victim of the fire as “completely innocent”, adding police suspect the incident was a case of mistaken identity.
Online, one person said Ms Tangey’s death would hit hard in the community.
“My deepest condolences to Katie’s family. She made such a huge impact in Melbourne’s burly, drag and pin up communities. She will be missed and never forgotten.”
Another friend described May-Royale as a powerful performer.
“She was such an incredibly talented, wonderful person and powerhouse on stage. So much sympathy for her Mum, they were such a team and I can’t imagine the grief she’s going through. May Vivian forever sparkle over us all from the other side.”
Katie Tangey, right, is being remembered as a genuine person and sparkling performer. Picture: Facebook
“Vivienne always showed up so authentically herself in burlesque spaces and I found her performances so refreshing, she’s been on my burlesque top list for a long while. Such a tragedy,” yet another admirer posted.
Another friend described Ms Tangey as a sweetheart.
“Another woman lost to male violence in Melbourne. Katie was a bright light, a magnificent glamour queen and a sweet, sweet person, killed in a deliberate house fire in Truganina in the early hours of yesterday,” Gemma Sheree posted.
“My condolences go out to our friend Tracey Tangey at this very difficult time. Please call me if you need anything.”
More to come