Geordie Shore star Holly Hagan has shared her devastation after the death of her younger sister, Darci Rose, aged just 19.
In an emotional statement posted to Instagram, the reality star, 33, revealed Darci passed away “peacefully holding my hand, surrounded by family and her best friends.”
“It is with immeasurable grief and sadness that our baby girl, my baby sister Darci Rose passed away peacefully holding my hand surrounded by family and her best friends,” Hagan began.
“She was never in any pain.”
Holly said the family was “traumatised in every sense of the word,” adding: “the last four days have been something I hope no family ever has to go through.”
She explained that while they would one day share Darci’s story, for now, she asked for “privacy” as their family “process what has happened”.
The former MTV star also thanked staff at Manchester Royal Infirmary for “giving my sister the absolute best chance,” and said the family was grateful to have spent her final moments by her side.
“We have had the opportunity to hold her hand, stroke her hair and feel her heart beating for the last time,” she shared.
Reflecting on her sister’s personality, Hagan painted a picture of a funny, carefree teen who “lived in Darci world.”
“Darci is so beautiful and she genuinely didn’t even realise it,” she said.
“I always told her she’d look better without the huge spider lashes but we all know what a hypocrite I was being since I wore nine pairs at her age!”
Adding: “She lived in Darci world, forgetting to turn lights off, didn’t know how to lock doors after coming in from a night out, leaving the freezer open so my mam came down to a puddle of defrosted food.”
Hagan also revealed that Darci had dreams of working in social work and was the “best aunty”.
She shared: “I don’t know if I’m behaving in a way I assumed I would when grieving but I genuinely feel she has given me so much strength and is watching over us all as our guardian angel.”
Concluding her tribute, Hagan wrote: “We love you so much baby girl. Forever 19.”
After sharing her statement, the TV star was inundated with messages of support and condolences about her young sister’s passing.
Geordie Shore co-star Charlotte Crosby wrote: “I’m blessed to have known such a beautiful girl! Alpha Jaxs birthday will be how I will remember your beautiful sister Darci, Alba spent all day playing with her!
“She naturally gravitated to her because Darci radiated warmth and sunshine! So kind and caring. Reading this post has broke my heart. I love you so much Holly sending so much love to you your mam and John”.
Sophie Kasei, who also starred on the MTV UK reality TV series, said: “A family should never have to go through this ever. I wish I could take this pain away my amazing Holly.
“Darci was and is an angel and will always be guiding you and your family. You have strength I admire and I’m so proud of you for having to keep the family together.
She added: “I love you endlessly and we will be there for you through this journey of grief. Our angel Beautiful Darci”.
“Holly, I’m so so sorry for you and your families loss. I’m sending you all love and hugs xxxxxx,” fellow Geordie Shore alum Nathan Henry said.
Geordie Shore OG star James Tindale wrote: “Sending love and strength to you and the family Holly, thinking of you all through this difficult time”.
