Tributes paid to 16-year-old Sophie Murray who died from a suspected blood clot

A family has paid tribute to their ‘beautiful stunning angel’ who died suddenly at the age of 16.

Accrington Academy pupil Sophie Murray, aged 16, was taken ill at her family home in Accrington on Sunday, November 8.

It is thought her death was caused by deep vein thrombosis.

The teenager, who dreamed of being a paramedic, was rushed to Royal Blackburn Hospital by ambulance but could not be revived and she died with her mother Shelley Crichton, 35, at her side.

Her mum and step-dad, Billy Dearden, said that Sophie ‘is and always will be loved’ by them and her 12-year-old brother Dom.

Mr Dearden added that the couple are incredibly proud of Sophie, who loved social media and music, with Robyn’s Dancing On My Own her favourite song of the moment.

He said: “She was a typical 16-year-old girl. She was a wonderful girl and such a lively person, one of those girls who had a huge circle of friends and a group of close friends.

“She was ambitious and wanted to be a paramedic, helping people was the sort of life she wanted.

“She was looking into being a St John’s Ambulance volunteer and was looking at colleges and sixth forms.”

Sophie had also been a ‘Mindful Mentor’ at her school, giving guidance to younger students who may have been experiencing difficulties.

Mr Dearden explained that the family had been told that a post-mortem examination had found the cause of death to be a pulmonary embolism caused by deep vein thrombosis, although a full inquest into her death will be carried out by Blackburn Coroner’s Court.

Mr Dearden added that, for Sophie’s brother Dom, her death has ‘not 100 per cent sunk in’, and that it is as if ‘her mum’s heard has been torn out’.

“Her mum is beside herself.

“We can’t find the words to explain how much she is missed.”

A funeral for Sophie will be held on Friday, November 20.

The family will drive from the chapel of rest at Champs Funeral Service, Bank House, Whalley Range, past Sophie’s school, Accrington Academy on Queen’s Road West, at 12.15pm.

A service will be held at The Hope Centre, Rhyddings Street, Oswaldtwistle, at 12.45pm, followed by a private burial for immediate family and friends at 2pm.