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Reeva Steenkamp, Olympian Oscar Pistorius’ Girlfriend, Was “An Angel On Earth”

1360857680_reeva steenkemp article
Reeva Steenkemp

Reeva Steenkamp, the woman who was tragically shot to death in Olympian boyfriend Oscar Pistorius' home on Valentine's Day, was "an angel on earth," her publicist Sarit Tomlinson told the Associated Press.

The 30-year-old model, who was named one of FHM's 100 Sexiest Women in the World for two years in a row, was pronounced dead in the early hours of the morning on Thursday, Feb. 14. Authorities confirmed to the AP that she was shot four times.

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"Our thoughts and prayers go to the Steenkamp family, who have asked to have their privacy respected during this difficult time, everyone is simply devastated," Tomlinson said. "She was the kindest, sweetest human being; an angel on earth and will be sorely missed."

Steenkamp was a vocal advocate against rape and abuse of women, often tweeting her support in the fight against sexual abuse. The South African native was also active in her community — she was scheduled to speak with school children in Johannesburg later in the day Thursday.

"It was about empowerment and inspiration and what inspires you and how to follow your dreams," Tomlinson said. The 5-foot-7 stunner, who graduated with a law degree from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in her hometown of Port Elizabeth, has made a career of doing just that.

Related: PHOTOS: Olympians' post-Olympic lives

In addition to covering the December 2011 issue of FHM South Africa, the blonde beauty is also the face of Avon South Africa, and was set to appear on the South African reality show, Tropika Island of Treasure 5. The show was set to premiere this weekend.

"She was definitely destined for success," Tomlinson told BBC News.

Early Thursday morning, authorities were called to Pistorius' home in Pretoria, South Africa, where they had received reports of gunshots in the Olympic sprinter's luxurious housing complex. When they arrived, they found paramedics treating Steenkamp for gunshot wounds. She was pronounced dead shortly afterward.

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Though authorities initially believed that Pistorius, 26, may have mistaken his girlfriend for an intruder, they later ruled out that possibility and officially charged the double amputee with murder.

"There is no other suspect involved," police spokeswoman Brigadier Denise Beukes told the AP, adding that there have been some "allegations of a domestic nature" against the South African runner recently.

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Tomlinson, however, told Sky News that the couple had a "healthy, fabulous relationship."

On Wednesday, Feb. 13, just one day ahead of her death, Steenkamp tweeted excitedly about the hearts-and-chocolate holiday.

"What do you have up your sleeve for your love tomorrow?" she asked her fans.

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