Where's fun girl Emma?

JOELLE DALLY | 5th May 2010

Emma Margaret Campbell had no reason to disappear.

The 29-year-old was social, outgoing, bubbly and active.

But her family fear they will never hear her distinctive laugh again.

Miss Campbell left her Bryndwr flat about 5.30am on Saturday and left no indication of where she was going or why.

She was last seen buying fuel at a Riccarton petrol station.

Her car was found five metres down a bank off Dyers Pass Rd about two hours later.

Her wallet was in the car and her shoes were on a nearby track.

Her older brother David Campbell said yesterday there was nothing to indicate his sister was down or depressed.

"If there was anything like that, we would have something to go on. We’ve got nothing to go on," he said.

Originally from Invercargill, Miss Campbell – the youngest of four siblings and aunty to four nephews – has lived in Christchurch for about seven years.

She had many friends, was involved in her local church and was in contact with her family every day.

Mr Campbell said she took her job as a carer for the elderly very seriously and often spoke of her favourite clients.

She also loved New Zealand music, played guitar and piano, and would write songs that she would play for her family.

"You always knew when she was around," Mr Campbell said.

Police yesterday had identified new areas where people could search for Miss Campbell – to the south of where her car was found or on exposed summits.

The police search and rescue had yesterday suspended their own search efforts.

Mr Campbell said it was clear police were "scratching their heads."

"It’s so bizarre. It’s something that … is like a bad dream. It would be nice to wake up from it."

Mr Campbell said the family had hardly slept since Miss Campbell’s car was discovered.

"It’s very difficult to work out what we should do right now," he said.

He invited volunteers to help in the search.

Anyone who has seen Emma Campbell should phone the Christchurch Police on 363 7400.