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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
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Iona Young & Sam Elliott-Gibbs

Woman, 23, dies suddenly from mystery undiagnosed illness as family pay tribute

Mystery surrounds the death of a young woman who left friends and family crushed when she died of an undiagnosed illness.

Jessica Courtney from Leith, Edinburgh, unexpectedly passed away earlier this year, Edinburgh Live reports.

The 23-year-old was the "funniest girl" with the "best personality" and a huge supporter of the city's football team Hibernian.

But those who loved her still are not sure exactly why she lost her life in late January.

Nearly a month after Jessica's funeral, one of her closest friends Chantelle Cramb has arranged a tribute for Jessica at the Hibs' stadium Easter Road next Saturday - asking fans to clap on the 23rd minute of the game.

Her friends and loved ones across the Scottish capital left devastated (Facebook)

Thousands of locals across Edinburgh are expected to take part on Saturday April 2 when the team play Dundee United.

Taking to social media, Chantelle wrote: "We would really appreciate it, I know there is a clap for everything these days but Jessica was so special and loved Hibs.

"Her last day out was when we beat Rangers 3-1 at Hampden, a day we could never forget."

Jessica's best friend opened up about the devastating loss and heartbreaking impact on her life.

Chantelle said: "We met the summer of Primary 7 through a mutual friend at Leith Links and have been friends ever since, however we became a lot closer over the years and became best friends."

Her heartbroken family and friends have organised a touching tribute to her at Hibs' next game (Facebook)

"Jessica was unwell and wasn’t aware and to say that life's not been the same is an understatement. Especially for my two children - they have so many questions as do I."

The mum-of-two has had her world turned upside down after losing her best friend, and touchingly told how she was just honoured to have the beautiful young woman in her life.

"She was genuinely 'the life and soul' of any room she entered. A drama queen but one you could never ever forget," she said.

"She was there for me through a lot of tough times and through all the best times too. It’s hard not having her message or FaceTime or listening to her infectious laugh. It’s just madness, so young as well.

Popular football fanatic Jessica Courtney's sudden death has rocked Edinburgh (Facebook)

"I’m just honoured to have been her best friend and I’m so glad we made so many memories.

"She will live on forever through the rest of us and that’s why we want to make sure there are lots of good memories going forward we want to keep her spirit alive" she said.

Her dad Jeff, who has been devastated after the loss of his daughter, told how special the gesture is to her heartbroken family.

He said: "It's not been many pleasant times of late.

"Amazed at what Chantelle has done so far, it's very touching. I just can’t believe such a response, I knew Jessica was a popular girl but the response so far is beyond belief.

"Jessica first attended Easter Road with myself back in November 2004 versus Motherwell and Hibs won, she met Pat Stanton, Lawrie Reilly and Grant Stott that day.

"She seemed to really enjoy it and looked forward to going to games there after. Think I was more excited than Jess that day but she later she knew who they were.

"She also attended Hampden on many occasions taking along a friend and had some happy triumphant journeys."

"I will be attending the game on the 2nd April. I will meet up with Chantelle, but we will be separated through seating arrangement unfortunately.

"It will be very emotional, the more I hear and read I get more emotional just reading messages is very touching.

"She certainly chose very sincere supporting good people as her friends colleagues."

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