A mother has paid tribute to her "talented, intelligent" daughter who fell 100ft to her death from the balcony of St Paul's Cathedral.
Lidia Dragescu died after plunging from the Whispering Gallery in front of shocked tourists and staff.
The 23-year-old student, from Romford, Essex, had recently started a degree at the University of East London and had hoped to become a brain surgeon.
Dragescu was "selfless and kind" but for her, the world had been a "bad place to live in", the family said in a statement.
"Our daughter and sister was the most beautiful person in the world. Her heart was pure and kind, a soul from another world," they wrote. "She was an outstanding student and a talented figure skater. Beautiful, intelligent and kind. She would always help me, not allowing me to do any difficult chores.
"Her love for us was beyond measure, she was selfless and kind. Everything that she had she shared with us, always putting us first. We love her and will always love her. "For Lidia, the world has been a bad place to live in."
Police and paramedics arrived within minutes of Lidia's fall last week, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities said the incident is not being treated as suspicious and City of London police will compile a report for the coroner in due course.
For confidential support call the Samaritans in the UK on 116 123, visit a local Samaritans branch or visit them online at www.samaritans.org.
