‘unimaginable loss’ 

‘A shining light’ – Tributes paid to Derry mum who died following injuries as man arrested on suspicion of murder

HEARTBREAKING tributes have poured in for a mum-of-two who was found injured at a property and died in Co Derry yesterday.

Police have launched a murder investigation following the death of the woman – named locally as Amy Doherty.

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Police and emergency services rushed to the home in the Summer Meadows Mews area around 10.20am.

PSNI Detective Inspector Michelle Griffin said: “Officers attended a property in the Summer Meadows Mews area of the city at around 10.20 am and located an injured woman at the scene.

“She was taken to hospital by our colleagues in the NIAS where she sadly died.

“A 30-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

“Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones, who are left trying to come to terms with this shocking loss.

“Our enquiries are continuing, and I am appealing to anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to contact our officers on 101 quoting reference 469 – 21/03/26.”

The community have been left shocked and devastated, with many mourners highlighting that Amy is the 30th woman in Northern Ireland to have been killed by a partner or former partner.

A mental health worker from Belfast said: “Thirty women is not a statistic. It is a crisis in Northern Ireland.

“And if this doesn’t make us uncomfortable, angry, and demanding change then what will?

“Rest in power Amy Doherty. You should still be here.”

Katies SHINE Project said: “We are taught to fear the stranger on the street, but for many the danger lies behind closed doors.

“Another woman has been killed, the second in the space of two weeks. Her name is Amy Doherty and she lived in Derry.

“Women are overwhelmingly being killed by the men closest to them. The statistics are shocking.

“The most dangerous place for a woman to be is in her own home. Until there are properly funded services to protect women we will not be safe. If you are a victim of domestic abuse help is available.”

Sinn Fein’s Ciara Ferguson said: “My sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers are with Amy’s family and friends, and with all those affected at this heartbreaking time.”

Church Street Community Facebook group said Amy’s family and friends have been remembering her as a “warm and caring person who brought light to those around her”.

A friend said: “Rest in peace wee Amy Doherty taken from this world away from her wee babies I have no words.

“You were a gem and the funniest person, the craic was always had with you.

“A whole town in mourning, shock and anger, the most terrible news ever waking up to this today.

“A young, beautiful life taken way too soon in the most tragic, evil and most devastating way.

“Look after your babies and give your mammy, daddy and brothers the strength to get through this unimaginable loss. Rest easy wee dotes. This should never have happened. I have no words, pure evil.”

Another shared: “I cannot believe you are gone. From the second we met, we hit it off instantly.

“You were honestly the kindest, funniest girl I have ever met and you had the biggest heart that would do anything for anyone.

“A shining light, a good person to talk to when you needed someone, and as I always said, the reason I met the love of my life.

“We are both absolutely heartbroken and we can’t even imagine what your family, your girlfriends and your babies are going through right now. I will forever be praying for them and for you.”

While another added: “Heart is broken Amy Doherty you were such a sweetheart and proud to call a friend, love you loads. Gone too soon.”

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