Young friends of tragic Amy Connor united in grief ahead of heart-rending funeral

Amy Connor’s pink coffin will be carried by sister Toni Connor and close female friends of the 23-year-old who was found dead in her San Antonio hotel on August 20.

The cortege will make its way to Ballywillan Cemetery, Portrush following a 1pm service at Amy’s mother’s home in Glebe Crescent.

Toni praised her sister as “amazing” and said she was “always the life and soul” of every party.

“Her smile is infectious,” Toni said.

In a Facebook message, Toni also praised the Coleraine area community for their “overwhelming” support since the tragedy.

She said: “People can say what they like about Coleraine and surrounding areas, but one thing I do know is when times get tough they stand by one another.

“Will go above and beyond to help another in need, they have been amazing the help and generosity of people has been overwhelming. I am so thankful to have the best family and friends.”

Amy’s heartbroken sister added: “The only thing giving me comfort is that her daughter [Kaliyah] will always be a part of her and she will be with us.

“I will treasure every picture and video I have of Amy,

“When your heart stopped beating mine got shattered into one million pieces. When I woke up without you I didn’t know what to do.

“Love you forever my sister, best friend and princess.”

In an earlier social media message, Toni said: “We will have the biggest party ever and give her the best send off, because anyone who knows Amy will know that’s what she would have wanted.”

Amy’s friend Alison Blair had travelled to the Spanish island along with Amy and Toni.

In her own Facebook message in the wake of the tragedy, she said the trio “went to Ibiza as three and left as two,” and said she was “still numb from the fact I’ll not be able to see your smile again and hear that voice when you’re arriving for a family party or a night out”.

Amy Connor is described in a family notice as the “loving daughter of Carol McKibbin, step daughter of Campbell Kennedy, devoted mummy of Kaliyah Connor and loving sister to Aaron John, Jean and Toni Connor and a much loved auntie”.

Donations in lieu of flowers are going to a charity that assisted Amy’s family with her return to Northern Ireland – the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust c/o Mrs Mona Murdock, 31, Bushmills Road, Coleraine.

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