A 23-year-old woman was fatally struck by a car just weeks after announcing her engagement to a magistrate who she described as the "love of her life".

Tributes have flooded in for Ashleigh Petrie who passed away when she was hit by a vehicle in Metung on Australia's Victoria coast early on Monday morning.

The court clerk and her 68-year-old partner Rodney Higgins generated controversy after they revealed their plans to get married during a trip to Fiji in September.

The couple had been dating since March and met during their employment in state's courts system.

“What an amazing 10 days it has been here in Fiji! Firstly, I arrived as Rod’s girlfriend and I leave as Rod’s fiancé! I cannot wait to become Mrs Higgins!” Ashleigh wrote on Facebook .

“It started with a crush and now I have a ring on my finger. The love of my life asked me to marry him and I said YESSSS.”

The couple were targeted by cruel trolls over their significant age gap which even prompted calls for an investigation into Mr. Higgins' conduct.

“Judicial officers hold a very high and important office within the Victorian community, and the standards of conduct and integrity to which they are held are so much higher,” wrote shadow attorney-general Ed O’Donohue.

It was later reported Ashleigh had been placed on leave in work after Mr Higgins popped the question.

Mr Higgins was appointed to the bench in 2017 and has three grown daughters of his own, as well as one grandchild.

Previous social media posts from Ashleigh show the couple taking part in various activities and she regularly described him as the love of her life.

Ms Petrie shared an image of Metung Pier from Metung Hotel to her Instagram shortly before her death.

Her family say they are still looking for answers as social media users expressed their shock over her death.

“She was so full of life to have it end this soon. Condolences to family and true friends… she will be sadly missed,” one person wrote.

“Such a sad loss of a beautiful young lady,” another said.

“So very sad. Young life cut short. You obviously had a lot of support out there in this trying time. Pity they didn't express their support sooner,” one person wrote.

Police confirmed the 23-year-old's death and will now prepare a report for the coroner.

Police said a driver stopped at the scene to assist and was uninjured.

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