But her worst fears were realised when she pulled up to find forensic officers and detectives combing the home of Linda Stevens, her friend of 27 years.

Ms Adam and three other women drove to the unit block about 11.30am after hearing a white 2003 Kia Rio, the same type of car driven by Ms Stevens, had been found in bushland at Corrimal with the vehicle's deceased 41-year-old owner inside.

PHOTOS: Wollongong woman's body found in boot of car

Consumed by grief, they parked on a grassy verge and ran to the police cordon screaming in disbelief before embracing and collapsing to the ground.

Melissa Cruickshank, Ms Stevens' neighbour and friend, joined the group, holding one of the women as she cried.

Their main concern was for the welfare of Ms Stevens' young son, who had been staying with a relative since Thursday afternoon.

Ms Adam said her friend, affectionately known as Fred, had been a devoted single mum who lived for her boy.

"She did everything for her son, now she's not coming home," she said.

"How are you supposed to tell him his mother's not coming back?

"Everything was for him, that's all she had. They were inseparable."

Ms Stevens, a keen sportswoman, had been heavily involved in roller derby, and also enjoyed taking her son on regular camping trips, Ms Adam said.

She said she didn't know of any reason why anyone would hurt her long-time friend.

"She was just beautiful, everybody liked Linda.

"I don't understand why they would do this to her.

"Why?"