THE family of talented actress Danika McGuigan say she "will live on forever in spirit" following her "brief but brave battle against cancer".
A television, film and theatre star and daughter of former boxing champion Barry McGuigan, she died during the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Her family last night said they were "devastated" by the passing of "our beautiful daughter and sister", who was aged 33.
The Dublin-based actress had been suffering from cancer, having previously being diagnosed with leukaemia when she was 11.
Among the tributes paid to Ms McGuigan were many from her peers in the film and TV industry, who described her as a "unique talent".
A statement issued by the McGuigan family said: "It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our beautiful daughter and sister, Danika 'Nika' McGuigan.
"As a family we are devastated and ask for complete privacy during this difficult period to allow us to grieve for our Nika."
Her brother Shane later posted a tribute to his sister on social media.
"It breaks my heart to write this," he said.
"My beautiful sister Danika lost her battle with cancer in the early hours of Tuesday morning, at the young age of 33.
"She overcame it once with a two-year fight when she was 11 to 13. Myself, my brothers and parents were privileged to have another 20 years since the first battle with our amazing Nika.
"Unfortunately Nika couldn't beat it again but she fought so bravely until the end. I have memories that I'll cherish for a lifetime and you will live on forever in spirit."
Speaking to The Times in 2005 about his daughter's childhood illness, Barry McGuigan said "it was like our roles were reversed: this time it was my little girl who was the fighter".
But he said she had a wonderful outlook on life.
"The word 'dynamo' doesn't do her justice. With Danika, the glass is never half-empty and never half-full. It's completely full. In fact, it's probably spilling over," he said.
Ms McGuigan most recently completed filming 'Wildfire', directed by Cathy Brady, and appeared on RTÉ and BBC as Danielle in the comedy Can't Cope, Won't Cope about two twentysomethings from Mallow in Co Cork trying to make their way in Dublin.
She also played opposite Rooney Mara in the screen adaptation of Sebastian Barry's novel, The Secret Scripture.
Stefanie Preissner, who wrote 'Can't Cope, Won't Cope', posted on Twitter: "Shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the untimely passing of Nika McGuigan – the brilliant, lovely, Danielle in Can't Cope Won't Cope wouldn't have been the same without her".
The actress was represented by Dublin-based acting agent, The Agency, which said: "Nika was an incredible and versatile talent who lit up our screens with her undeniable presence, sensitivity and superb comic timing".
The Lisa Richards talent agency said she was "a wonderfully gifted actress", while writer/director Niall McKay described her as "a great actress and a beautiful person".
Bow Street screen acting school praised its former student for "her unique talent, energy and smile was a constant inspiration".
Carl Frampton, whose ex-manager was Barry McGuigan, wrote on Twitter: "Sincerely saddened to hear the heartbreaking news about Nika McGuigan. May she rest in peace."
