Danika McGuigan, the daughter of boxing legend Barry McGuigan has died aged 33, her family have confirmed.
The actress, who starred in Irish TV series Can’t Cope, Won’t Cope, passed away surrounded by her family on Tuesday.
Her family said in a statement they were “devastated” by her death as they paid tribute to her bravery.
“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,” it said.
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The statement continued: “After a brief but brave battle against cancer, Nika passed away peacefully in the early hours of Tuesday 23rd July, surrounded by her loving family.
“As a family we are devastated and ask for complete privacy during this difficult period to allow us to grieve for our Nika.”
Fans and friends have been quick to remember the performer on social media.
“It’s just so so sad. She was so talented,” tweeted one fan.
Well that sucks. RIP Nika McGuigan pic.twitter.com/AYBFyWhyyv
— Bri_Mul Scream (@Superstamp) July 24, 2019
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Another person wrote: “I am shattered to learn that Nika McGuigan passed away. Can’t Cope, Won’t Cope is one of my fave shows and she was such a bright light.”
“A beautiful talent gone. RIP,” added another.
Yet another fan contributed: “A great talent of stage and screen, and by all accounts a kind and beautiful soul.”
Very sad to hear the news of Nika McGuigan’s passing. A great talent of stage and screen, and by all accounts a kind and beautiful soul. My thoughts are with her family and friends.
— A Flock of Tears for Simple Minds (@CianTaaffe) July 24, 2019
There were also tributes from some people who had previously worked with Nika.
“It was a pleasure and a privilege to have known her and to have performed alongside her,” noted one person.
“A class act all the way. God bless her, always professional. She will be missed,” added another.
Another person wrote: “The sad news about Nika McGuigan has just knocked me for six. I worked with her a lifetime ago and she was an absolute joy. Thinking of her friends and family.”
The sad news about #NikaMcGuigan has just knocked me for six. I worked with her a lifetime ago and she was an absolute joy. Thinking of her friends and family.
— paulkeogan (@paulkeogan) July 24, 2019
Mika also appeared in the screen adaptation of Sebastian Barry’s novel The Secret Scripture and had recently completed filming Wildfire with director Cathy Brady.
Former featherweight champion Barry told The Times in 2005 his daughter had been diagnosed with leukaemia when he was 11.
He said at the time: “I can’t tell you how terrified I was, seeing her go through all this.
“Until that moment, I’d always considered myself one of these people who can deal with the problems life can throw at you.
“But when this happened I felt completely emasculated. It was like our roles were reversed: this time it was my little girl who was the fighter.”
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