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Reeva Steenkamp: A model on the rise

Cape Town - The 29-year-old model Reeva Steenkamp, who was reportedly shot and killed on Thursday morning in boyfriend Oscar Pistorius' home, had a promising career ahead of her.

Pistorius was questioned by police with regards to his involvement in the shooting and death of a woman, thought to be Steenkamp, and is yet to appear in court on charges of murder.

Sarit Tomlinson, Steenkamp's publicist, told Sky News that she had "so much in the pipeline for her" and was set to be a "rising star".

"She was just about to explore into the media and very talented, a very bright young girl. It a huge loss for everyone and it's too shocking for words," she told the UK news channel.

Born in Cape Town, Reeva and her parents moved to Port Elizabeth at an early age. Her father is a well-known horse trainer, reports Firstpost.com.

After high school, Reeva went on to complete her law degree. Her passion for modelling took off six years ago, when many modelling agencies approached her and she decided to move to Johannesburg.

FHM cover girl

One of her earlier, pivotal modelling jobs was being named the first official face of local cosmetic company Avon, according to the UK Mirror.

Reeva was also a familiar face with readers of the men's magazine FHM, and started out with the magazine in 2011. She was later named as a cover girl for their December 2011 issue.

Other modelling stints included shoots for Toyota, Clover and the Italian fashion brand Zui.

In June 2012, Reeva landed herself a spot on FHM's Sexiest Women List, ranking 45th in the poll. She was featured in the magazine on a regular basis.

'Will truly be missed'

Apart from modelling, she was also a presenter for Fashion TV in South Africa and was one of the contestants on the newest season of the reality show, Tropika Island of Treasure. The show premieres on SABC1 on Saturday 16 February.

"We are absolutely devastated at the tragic loss of Reeva, our friend and beloved member of the Tropika Island of Treasure 5 family," Samantha Moon, the creator and executive producer of Tropika Island of Treasure said in a press statement.

"Reeva was a wonderful human being and an extremely talented and intelligent woman. Her kind and loving spirit was evident to all who knew her and her zest for life will be truly missed.

"We are blessed and privileged to have known her. Words cannot express how saddened we are by this tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with Reeva's family and friends."

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