Tributes have been paid to an Irish woman who was shot dead in New York at the weekend.
The woman, who has been named as Denise Morgan, 39, was originally from the village of Tullyallen in Co Louth.
She is survived by a 9-year-old daughter.
Friends and family have paid tribute to Ms Morgan and expressed their heartache at the news of her death.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) said on Saturday October 21 at 2.44am (7.44am Irish time), officers responded to an emergency call reporting shots fired in the Queens area.
Top Stories
- Maureen Lipman says artists should feel shame for stance on Gaza
- The day Jack came home: Scotstown deny Inniskeen poetic finish
On arriving at the residence, police found a man and woman with gunshot wounds to their heads in the living room.
Medical specialists attended the scene and pronounced the 39-year-old woman and 33-year-old man dead at the scene.
The NYPD said a firearm was recovered “in the vicinity of the deceased male”.
Its investigations are continuing.
The Irish-American Cottage Bar Restaurant, Bar 43, where Ms Morgan worked, said her death had “left us all in shock and sorrow”.
“It is incredibly difficult to comprehend the void left by her sudden departure,” it said on Facebook.
“Her warmth, kindness, and vibrant spirit will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
“Our heartfelt condolences are for her family as you mourn this profound loss. We will always appreciate the person she was.”
Commenting on the post, Ms Morgan's sister Lisa said: "Thank you so much for your kind words about our beautiful sister ❤️ we appreciate them so much and it eases the pain a little to know how much she was loved."
In a separate post she said: "This just can’t be real. We love you forever and always baby sister until we meet again, our lives will never be the same again."
Stephen Porter from Dublin, who worked alongside Ms Morgan told The Irish Times: “It’s just so sad. She was such a popular girl. When we worked together, she was the type of girl who would always step in and help out, when anyone needed something. She’d never see anyone stuck. It’s really wobbled all of us. Everyone’s just numb. We’ll be hugging our kids a little tighter tonight.”
A spokesperson for the Republic's Department of Foreign Affairs said it was aware of the case and is providing consular assistance.
