TRIBUTES are being paid to a “beautiful” young woman who died suddenly at a Belfast nightclub over the weekend.
Police were alerted to an incident at Lux nightclub on Dunbar Street in Belfast City Centre about 2.20am on Sunday morning, responding to reports that two women had fallen unconscious.
Emergency services, fire crew and cops rushed to the scene.
Sadly one of the females, aged in her 20s, was found deceased on arrival and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The other woman was hospitalised for treatment.
Chloe Ferris, aged in her 20s, was named as the woman who passed away.
It’s understood Ms Ferris was a beauty technician from Belfast.
A death notice described her as the “beloved daughter of Declan and Sharon, much-loved sister of Christopher, Declan, and Barry, cherished aunt, niece, cousin, part of the ‘Sister Squad,’ and friend to many”.
Tributes are pouring in for the young woman, who many are describing as “beautiful inside and out”.
One friend said: “The nicest friend with the purest soul. Glad to have been your friend.”
Someone else said: “Heartbreaking. Chloe was the most beautiful person, both inside and out.”
“Thinking of her friends and family at this very sad time.”
Enhance Belfast, a beauty training academy described her as a “lovely” student.
In a post online, they wrote: “Absolutely heartbreaking, our lovely student Chloe.
“Sending so much love to her family and friends.”
Nobody should ever go on a night out and not return home.”
Colin Neil, Hospitality Ulster chief executive
St Clare’s PS in Belfast, Ms Ferris’ former primary school said: “Thinking of one of our past pupils who died suddenly today, Chloe Ferris.
“Deepest sympathy to her mum, dad, and brothers at this heartbreaking time, from all staff, past and present.”
The other woman is believed to be a friend of Ms Ferris and remains in hospital.
Police are investigating the incident, and enquiries are said to be at an early stage.
Sinn Fein councillor Claire Canavan described it as “devastating”.
She said: “It is absolutely tragic that a young woman has so suddenly lost her life. I want to extend my deepest condolences to the Ferris and Dynes families and friends as they come to terms with this heartbreaking news”.
SDLP councillor Gary McKeown said: “This is terrible news, and my thoughts are with the family and friends of the woman who died.
“For something like this to happen is tragic, but it is particularly poignant at this time of year.”
Sinn Fein West Belfast MLA Órlaithí Flynn added that the incident had left her “shocked and saddened”.
She said: “This is an absolute tragedy, and I want to extend my deepest condolences to the woman’s family and friends who have woken today to this unthinkable and heartbreaking news.
“My thoughts are also with another woman and her loved ones as she remains in hospital today undergoing treatment.
“Police have appealed for anyone who may be able to assist their investigation to contact them.”
Hospitality Ulster chief executive Colin Neill said it was distressing news, saying: “Nobody should ever go on a night out and not return home.
“As we await more information, we extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the woman who has died. Our thoughts are also with the woman who remains in hospital.
“Anyone who may be able to assist the police with their investigation should contact them immediately.”
If anyone has information that could assist the PSNI, they can contact police on 101, or submit information online via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport.
