Northern Ireland

Family's tribute to Co Tyrone mother of 2004 tsunami victim after body found

Theresa Keightley was reported missing on Monday
Theresa Keightley was reported missing on Monday Theresa Keightley was reported missing on Monday

Tributes have been paid to the mother of a Co Tyrone man who died in the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

Teresa Keightley (72), from Cookstown, had been reported missing on Monday.

Her body was found on Wednesday following a search operation.

Her family paid tribute to her as a "loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister".

She is set to be laid to rest following a funeral at Holy Trinity Church, Cookstown on Tuesday.

Her son Connor (31) went missing during the 2004 tsunami.

Connor Keightley from Cookstown, who died in the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami
Connor Keightley from Cookstown, who died in the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami Connor Keightley from Cookstown, who died in the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami

He had been on holiday on the Thai island of Phi Phi when the disaster struck on St Stephen's Day and was the only victim from Northern Ireland.

An estimated 228,000 people died across 14 countries after an earthquake sparked the tsunami.

Mrs Keightley said at the time that despite going through such a harrowing experience, she had managed to find some peace.

In a statement issued via the PSNI on Friday, her family said she will be sadly missed by them as well as her large circle of friends.

They went on to thank all those who had joined the search operation.

Members of the Keightley family including Teresa Keightley at the unveiling of a poster in memory of the 2004 tsunami victims including her son Connor
Members of the Keightley family including Teresa Keightley at the unveiling of a poster in memory of the 2004 tsunami victims including her son Connor Members of the Keightley family including Teresa Keightley at the unveiling of a poster in memory of the 2004 tsunami victims including her son Connor

"In particular we would like to especially thank The Community Rescue Team and the PSNI, whose dedication and professionalism helped us through a very difficult time," they said.

"During the search for Teresa we were inundated with offers of assistance from those within the Cookstown area and beyond and we are eternally grateful for the support shown to us as a family.

"We are very appreciative of all the messages of support and sympathy we have received to date."

The family asked that their privacy be respected.