A teenager from Runcorn has died while in custody at a women's prison in Cheshire.
Annelise Sanderson, described by her friends as "truly loved by all", died at HMP Styal, in Wilmslow, on Tuesday (December 22).
The family of the 18-year-old, from Runcorn, have been informed, the Prison Service said.
Police were called to the prison at 6.40am following the teenager's "sudden death", which is not being treated as suspicious.
The Prison and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) - which looks into all deaths and complaints in custody - will now lead an independent investigation into her death.
A Prison Service spokesperson said: "HMP Styal prisoner Annelise Sanderson died in custody on December 22 and our condolences are with her family and friends at this difficult time.
"The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman has been informed."
Cheshire Police said: "Officers were called at around 6.40am on Tuesday December 22 following the sudden death of a 18-year-old woman at HM Prison Styal in Wilmslow.
"The death is not being treated as suspicious.
"A case file will be prepared for the coroner."
Friends of the teenager paid tribute to the "funny, caring and kind" young woman, reported the MEN.
They said: "She wasn’t just anybody, she was our friend and was truly loved by all who met her.
"Annelise lit up any room she walked into by signing or laughing.
"She touched the hearts of all who knew her and was the most funny, caring and kindest of girls.
"She had a way of making you laugh even when you didn’t want to, that was down to her bubbly sense of humour.
"Annelise was talented beyond belief, she loved to dance and sing.
"We never thought we would ever have to write this about our girl and our hearts are broken.
"She will forever live on and not a day will pass where she isn’t remembered.
"Fly high beautiful but always stay close. We miss and love you so much.
"Forever in our hearts - Kerry, Gemma, Melissa, Keanna, Rachel, Anne and everyone who has had the pleasure of meeting you."
Ms Sanderson is the fifth inmate to die at HMP Styal over the last three years.
It is the only female prison in the region, with a capacity of 486 inmates.
