Family of journalist Lyra McKee pay tribute to ‘gentle innocent soul’ murdered by Real IRA
McKee, 29, died as a result of injuries sustained when she was shot on the Creggan estate on April 18
THE family of journalist Lyra McKee who was murdered by the New IRA in Londonderry have described her as "a friend to all" and "a gentle innocent soul" in a tribute.
Ms McKee, 29, died as a result of injuries sustained when she was shot on the Creggan estate on April 18.
The dissident group admitted responsibility for her murder in a statement given to The Irish News using a recognised code word. The group offered "full and sincere apologies" to her family and friends.
The admission came the day before Ms McKee's funeral at Belfast Cathedral on Wednesday.
A tribute from her mother Joan, brothers Gary and David, and sisters Joan Hunter, Nichola Corner and Mary Crossan said: "On Thursday 18th April our beautiful Lyra was taken from us.
"A daughter, a sister, an aunt, a great-aunt, a partner, a niece, a cousin, and above all, a best friend and confidante to so many of us.
"A friend to all, a gentle innocent soul who wouldn't wish ill on anyone. Such a warm and innocent heart, she was the greatest listener, someone who had time for everyone."
'WE FACE THIS TRAGEDY TOGETHER'
The McKee family added: "She was a smart, strong-minded woman who believed passionately in inclusivity, justice and truth.
"Lyra spoke to and made friends with anybody and everybody, no matter what their background, those of all political views and those with none. This openness, and her desire to bring people together, made her totally apolitical."
"We would ask that Lyra's life and her personal philosophy are used as an example to us all as we face this tragedy together. Lyra's answer would have been simple, the only way to overcome hatred and intolerance is with love, understanding and kindness," they said.
The family also made the statement on behalf of their spouses and Ms McKee's nieces and nephews.
They thanked their local community for their "outpouring of support and love," adding: "We ask everyone who knew Lyra to continue her message of positivity and hope, by respecting her memory with dignity and respect."
Sara Canning, Ms McKee's partner, said previously: "Our hopes and dreams and all of her amazing potential was snuffed out by this single barbaric act."
A 57-year-old woman arrested on Tuesday morning by detectives investigating the murder has now been released unconditionally.
Detectives from PSNI Major Investigation Team are continuing to appeal for help from the local community in Creggan or anyone with information.
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Two men aged 18 and 19 were initially arrested in connection with the killing but were later released without charge.
Hundreds of journalists attended a vigil in Dublin this evening.
Lyra's partner Sara Canning has requested that people wear Harry Potter or Marvel outfits as the writer is laid to rest tomorrow.
