Northern Ireland

Co Tyrone woman Rhonda O'Loughlin found dead in Co Donegal was 'caring and bubbly'

Rhonda O'Loughlin's body was found close to her Co Donegal home on Tuesday
Rhonda O'Loughlin's body was found close to her Co Donegal home on Tuesday Rhonda O'Loughlin's body was found close to her Co Donegal home on Tuesday

A sister of a Co Tyrone woman found dead in Co Donegal has said her family has been devastated by her death.

The body of Rhonda O'Loughlin (34), from the Drumkeen Road of Tattykeeran, was found on Tuesday.

She had been missing from her home in Bridgetown in Co Donegal since September 23.

Following extensive searches, her remains were found close to her home.

Gardaí have said the death is not being treated as suspicious.

Ms O'Loughlin, who worked as a community nurse, had moved to Donegal to live with her partner in 2014. She had previously spent several years working in London.

Her sister Yvonne Reid told the News Letter the family had endured a "living nightmare".

"We are not sure at this point what has actually happened," she said.

"It appears she has gone out for a walk and fallen."

Ms Reid said her "baby sister" was a "free spirit".

"She was a caring, bubbly and happy-go-lucky person who will be deeply missed," she said.

Her death is the third to hit the Beragh area in recent months.

Young farmer Harry Gibson (26), from Beragh, died in an accident last month. In August, Kyra McKinley, from Omagh, died in a crash on the Deverney Road - a few miles from Ms O'Loughlin's family home.

Ms O'Loughlin's funeral will be celebrated at Clogherny Parish Church at 1.30pm on Saturday, followed by burial in the adjoining churchyard.

She is survived by her parents, brother, sisters and boyfriend.