A popular hairdresser has died suddenly while on holiday in France with friends describing the 28-year-old as ‘the most precious beautiful soul’.
Moving tributes have been paid to Leah Weir, from Shankill in Northern Ireland.
She was holidaying in France with friends, and on Saturday – a day before she died – had changed her profile picture on Facebook to her enjoying the sunshine, reports BelfastLive .
Her friend Carly Bell Hoey posted: "There are no words that can ever begin to describe the heartache right now.
"To wake up to such devastation this morning has ripped the hearts from us all… you are the most precious beautiful soul and we are so blessed to have got to spend the last few days with you having the absolute time of our lives."
Beautician Carly described the emotional moment when she had to inform Leah’s family of their daughter’s death.
"We will never forget the gut wrenching moment and had the painful task of telling those who cared about you that you’d gone," she wrote.
"We don’t know what you were thinking – we were all around you and love you with every inch of our entirety.
"You could no longer fight your demons, there are no magic pills or quick fixes for your mental health.
"28 years old and so much to live for, my dad loved you like a daughter, you talked of your next adventure only last night.
"I don’t know what switch is hit or how it happened but you said yesterday was the best day of your life.
"To Leah’s family – we will get through this together – I love you all and will see you soon."
DUP MLA William Humphrey passed on his condolences.
He told Belfast Live: “My thoughts and sympathies are with Jim, Deborah and the wider family circle.
“The local community is deeply saddened by this tragic loss of life. It’s so sad that yet another life, a beautiful young lady, has been lost.”
A spokesman from Greater Shankill ACT told Belfast Live: "It is tragic to lose another life from the Shankill in these tragic circumstances.
"We hope the family get the help and assistance needed to get Leah home and we offer them our sincere condolences."
Stephen Paul from mental health charity SAMHI said: “This has opened many eyes to mental health and suicide.
"It expressed how easily one can go on feeling this way, without anyone knowing or seeming to care. It’s caused major heartbreak in our communities. I can honestly say that this past number of years has been an eye-opener to many aspects of this.
“If you need someone to talk to. If you think no one cares. If you feel you’re at the end. Talk to someone, talk to me, talk to whoever you need too. Please reach out to someone. You truly don’t have to go through this alone.
“If you don’t feel comfortable reaching out to us, please reach out to someone.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues you can contact the Samaritans on freephone 116 123, they’re open 24 hours and are there to listen
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