The heartbroken father of Chloe Ferris has described how she “lived life to the full” before her tragic death in a Belfast nightclub at the weekend.
The 24-year-old, who was out in the city celebrating her 25th birthday in Lux nightclub, fell unconscious and died in the venue, while another friend was hospitalised, in the early hours of Sunday.
Speaking to the Irish News from the family home in Newtownabbey, dad Declan told the newspaper the tragedy was “beyond belief”.
“Our whole family is just heartbroken,” he said.
“Chloe was out celebrating her birthday — and for something like this to happen is beyond belief.
“She was out with her friends celebrating. It was supposed to be her 25th birthday on Wednesday.
“Chloe was an incredibly hard-working girl. She worked nine to nine every day and Saturday was the only time she would have been able to get a day off in the lead-up to Christmas.”
Widespread tributes were paid to Ms Ferris after the news broke at the weekend, with her funeral to take place at St Paul’s Church on Thursday.
Her father said the west Belfast woman, who ran a successful beauty business in Newtownabbey, was someone who had a close circle of friends and loved to travel the world.
Poignantly, he told the newspaper: “I think to myself was there something in the back of her head that knew something was coming, and that’s why she packed so much into her short life.”
“Chloe built a successful business and had a great group of friends who were extremely close,” he added.
“She had travelled the world and really lived life to the full. We had actually been saying to her that she needed to relax a bit. She was in America and Australia last year — that’s just what she loved doing.
“She went to Africa as well to help the children out there. That’s the type of girl she was.
“She wasn’t one to save money or anything like that; she worked hard and enjoyed herself and then did it all again.
“The house is completely packed in there. There are people spilling outside.
“They are from all sides of the community and of all ages — that tells you everything about Chloe.”
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On Monday, Belfast nightclub Lux released a statement, saying that the venue’s “thoughts and sympathies are with the parents and family during this very difficult time”.
A spokesperson added: “Our focus is now to help the police with their investigation and our staff wellbeing.”
Devastated friends of Ms Ferris have taken to social media to express their shock and sadness.
“The nicest friend with the purest soul. Glad to have been your friend,” one wrote.
Another read: “Heartbreaking. Chloe was the most beautiful person, both inside and out. Thinking of her friends and family at this very sad time.”
Beauty training academy Enhance Belfast also posted a tribute online: “Absolutely heartbreaking, our lovely student Chloe. Sending so much love to her family and friends.”
The PSNI continues to investigate Ms Ferris’s death.
A spokesperson said at the weekend: “Police enquiries are at a very early stage, and anyone who believes they may have information that could assist can contact police on 101 or submit information online via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport.”
News Catch Up: Monday 2nd December