Actress Danika McGuigan has died aged 33 following a battle with cancer.
The daughter of Irish boxing champion Barry McGuigan passed away in the early hours of Tuesday morning after a brief illness.
A statement issued by the family said: “It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our beautiful daughter and sister, Danika ‘Nika’ McGuigan. As a family we are devastated and ask for complete privacy during this difficult period to allow us to grieve for our Nika”.
She starred in films such as Philomena, Mammal and The Secret Scripture and was perhaps best known for her role in TV drama Can’t Cope, Won’t Cope, where she played art student Danielle.
Before her death she had just finished filming for Wildfire, directed by Cathy Brady.
Danika was first diagnosed with acute lymphoid leukaemia aged 11 and underwent chemotherapy for six months before getting the all-clear in 1999.
Her brother Shane paid tribute to his sister on Instagram, writing: “It breaks my heart to write this. My beautiful sister Danika lost her battle with cancer in the early hours of Tuesday morning, at the young age of 33”.
“She overcame it once with a 2 year fight when she was 11 to 13. Myself, my brothers & parents were privileged to have another 20 years since the first battle with our amazing Nika”.
“Unfortunately Nika couldn’t beat it again but she fought so bravely until the end. I have memories that I’ll cherish for a lifetime & you will live on forever in spirit”.
“I’m so so proud of you! Love you forever my older ‘little’ sister. RIP”.
#Peace.Love.DanikaMcGuigan
