Katy French, 24, became ill in the early hours of Sunday morning.She is believed to have suffered heart failure and remained in a coma until she died on Thursday afternoon.
Born in Switzerland the Katy moved to Ireland with her parents whilst young and after completing her Leaving Certificate she went on to study psychology, however, her future lay elsewhere and she signed up to Assets Modelling Agency.
In the space of 18 months, she had become one of Ireland's best-known models and socialites. Her professionalism and quick wit ensured a path to success and she was expected by her Agency to increase in popularity as a model and TV personality.
The beauty came to media attention after her very public break-up with fiancé, Dublin restaurateur Marcus Sweeney. Her profile was boosted even further by a number of reality TV appearances.
A statement from her family said she died in the arms of her sister Jill with her mother and father alongside and the family thanked the Hospital Staff and those that had sent messages of support.
In a recent media interview the young model admitted to taking cocaine in the past but she insisted she had stopped using the drug and warned young people of its dangers.
The Gardia investigating her death and the full toxicology reports found that despite her attempts to resolve her drug addiction at the time of her death she had traces of drugs in her system. The lesson if any to be learnt from Katys death is - it is very easy to get onto and into drugs in todays society but very hard to get off them.
It is a very sad loss and our condolences to Katy's family and the many people that will miss her.
Katie Froud
ALBA
