A boyfriend has been left 'devastated' after his barrister girlfriend died suddenly while they were on holiday in Spain.
Shona Killen, a 'well-known and highly respected' lawyer from Northern Ireland, passed away on the Costa Del Sol at the weekend.
It is currently unclear how the 'beautiful' 27-year-old died, but her distraught relatives said the tragedy was completely 'unexpected'.
Shona had been due to take part in a charity walk this weekend with her partner, Simon Brown, after they returned from their break.
Yesterday, Simon changed his Facebook profile picture to a photo of himself and his girlfriend, writing: "I'm just so devastated that this has happened."
In response, one friend told him: "Absolutely devastated to hear the news Simon. Havent been able to take it in all day. Really hope you're doing ok out there xxx
Another said: "Am so sorry Simon. Am sure everyone wishes they were there to put their arms around you. Sincere condolences to you and Shona's family."
Shona, a Queen's University graduate, was today described as an 'up and coming barrister' who was endeared to all who knew her.
Specialising in criminal law, civil disputes, family law and mental health law, she was called to the Bar of Northern Ireland in 2011.
Away from court, she was well known for her charitable fundraising efforts, supporting causes such as Alzheimer's research.
She described herself online as 'an aspiring actress and singer'.
In a message of condolence, the Northern Ireland Bar said: “It is with shock and great sadness that we write to inform members of the sudden passing of Shona Killen who died over the weekend while on holiday in Spain."
According to Belfast Live, it added: “Shona was called to the Bar in 2011 and was a well-known and highly respected young barrister.
“We would like to express our deepest condolences to her friends and family and we place them in our thoughts and prayers.
"We would also reassure them that the Bar will do all it can to support them during this most difficult time.”
Earlier today, Shona's grief-stricken old brother, Eamon Killen, described how the news of his sister's death came 'completely out of the blue'.
He told the News Letter : "“To say that it was unexpected is an understatement. As far as we were aware Shona was fit and healthy, so it has come as a complete shock to everyone.”
A post-mortem examination will shortly be carried out into the lawyer's death.
Shona and Simon had been due to take part in the Memory Walk for the Alzheimer’s Society in the Stormont Estate area of Belfast on Saturday.
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