Tributes have been paid to a popular former television journalist from Belfast who passed away following a short illness.
Aideen Kennedy has passed away one day after announcing on social media that she was returning home from a spell in hospital to receive palliative care.
Aideen had been a popular newscaster with UTV for a number of years and was a regular face on the television in homes across Northern Ireland.
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In her final social media post she said: "So life has not gone well and I am as sick as I was as when I went in to hospital so essentially going home to die but getting palliative care. The kids know. If you ever come across them, will you an eye out for them, they are the kindest, sweetest most thoughtful kiddies."
Aideen is the fourth of four siblings to pass away and she had previously spoke of her grief at losing her sister Fiona and brothers Dara and Rory.
Following her passing there has been an outpouring of grief from people across Northern Ireland who are heartbroken to hear of her loss.
Ulster University Journalism Lecturer Leona O'Neill said: "Am so saddened that the beautiful bright Aideen Kennedy has left us. The world is a darker place without her light. She was such a kind, loving, caring soul who bore so much heartache in life. My heart breaks for her Jacob and Eva and her Mammy and Daddy."
U105 issued a short statement paying tribute to their past colleague saying: "Our thoughts and prayers this evening are with the family of our former colleague Aideen Kennedy. Aideen was a member of our news team on the station over a number of years. May she rest in peace."
Former UTV Political Editor Ken Reid said: "Tonight the thought Aideen Kennedy is no longer with us is just heart breaking. A decent soul who suffered too much. The news has stunned many of us. We all need to take care. God bless her. RIP."
Lagan Valley MLA Emma Little-Pengelly said: "Absolutely devastated. My beautiful, funny, kind friend Aideen has passed away. I will miss her terribly. We met 22 years ago when we shared a room for the summer in DC and became firm friends.
"Goodbye beautiful girl."
South Belfast councillor Seamas De Faoite said: "I was heartbroken by this tragic news this morning about such a kind soul. Mam babysat Aideen, Dara and Fiona for years when they were kids. Aideen was such a bright light who had been through so much. My thoughts are with Noel, Maura, Jacob and Eva."
Disability rights campaigner Dermot Devlin paid tribute saying: "I was very sad to hear about the passing of Aideen. Often we would have late night phone calls, talking about what is happening in the world & in our lives. We met up for the first time for lunch in March. Little did I know it would be the only time. RIP."
A GoFundme page has been launched in order to support Aideen's family during this tragic time.
If you would like to donate please follow this link.
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