Colleagues, friends and family of 27-year old barrister Shona Killen have been left shocked and saddened at the young lawyer’s sudden death while on holiday in Spain with her partner.

Liam McCollum QC, Chairman of the Bar of Northern Ireland, said: “It is with shock and great sadness that the Bar of Northern Ireland has learned of the sudden passing of our esteemed member, Shona Killen this weekend while on holiday in Spain. Called to the Bar in 2011, Shona was a well-known and highly respected young barrister, endeared to all who knew her and renowned for her fundraising efforts.”

He added: “On behalf of the Bar, I would like to express our deepest condolences to her friends and family, assuring them of our thoughts and prayers and the provision of any and all support we can offer during this most difficult time.”

Shona, from Cloughey on the Ards Peninsula, died in hospital in the early hours of Monday morning.

She and her boyfriend had been due to take part in the Memory Walk for the Alzheimer’s Society, a cause which she passionately supported. Shona’s friends and work colleagues are now planning to complete the walk as a tribute to her.