Tributes have poured in after an 18-year-old woman was found dead at a hotel in Salford.
Ria Cooper, 18, was a member of staff at popular Canal Street venue G-A-Y where she worked for around five months.
A self-proclaimed Katy Perry fan, the sad news of her death has seen performers and bar owners of Manchester's Gay Village post emotional tributes.
Bradley Hinks, a manager at G-A-Y, and boyfriend Jordan Keys told the Manchester Evening News that Ria unexpectedly came into their life but made an instant impact.
"She was one of these naturally funny and bubbly people," they said.
"She was there for a laugh and have fun and she just made you smile whenever you were around her. Even when you were trying to be angry or annoyed, she would say 'I’m just vibing babe' and you couldn’t help but smile."
Jordan said he and Bradley became very close to Ria, and were there to help her through both the good and the bad.
"She would often stay the night or come over in the morning," Jordan said.
"We’d make sure she was okay, trying to talk with her about her problems.
"We were there to help her as were her friends who mostly are all from G-A-Y.
"She became part of our family and we will always love and remember her."
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Jeremy Joseph, owner of both G-A-Y bars in Manchester and London, also posted a heartfelt message about Ria on Facebook.
"The right words are hard to write, but I Just want to say how proud I am of G-A-Y Manchester Staff.
"This weekend has been so tough, but they came together as a family and supported each other & thank you to other Village Venues who showed support to our staff."
Andrew Fawcus, who performs as drag queen Verry Cherry, dedicated a performance at G-A-Y on Sunday evening in memory of Ria.
Posting on Facebook on Sunday, Andrew said: "Tonight at G-A-Y is a different kind of show.
"I wanna try and make this sound less yucky than it may seem...but tonight Im going to be doin all the fave numbers for one of the bar staff RIA who tragically past away suddenly last week.
"She was a bubbly lovley soul and will be missed by many including myself."
Adore Delano, an American drag queen who competed on RuPaul's Drag Race, said: "My heart actually hurts.
"Ria Cooper.. You were such a kind energy whenever I was around you. May you Rest In Peace, Angel."
Ria's family also paid tribute, who said she was a 'big part of our family'.
"A drama queen with bigger dreams than anyone else we know, she has left a big hole within our family that can never be filled," her family said in a statement.
"The most amazing daughter of Gary and Maria, as well as a much-loved sister, granddaughter, niece and cousin. She will be deeply missed by all of us.
"The most brightest colourful soul has been set free a princess who's memory will live on forever in our family."
Drag queen Divina De Campo, who regularly performs in Manchester and appeared on the first season of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, added the news was 'incredibly sad'.
"Ria was a real sweetheart," she posted.
"Reach out and remember to talk, love, and help each other. Xxx"
Memories of Ria have since been displayed inside the venue where she worked, after staff put up a memorial wall full of messages and pictures alongside balloons, flowers and candles.
"We've had so many people in today showing how much they loved Ria," one member of staff at G-A-Y posted.
"It's been amazing and she'd be so touched by it all."
Another member of staff shared a photo of the memorial wall and shared how much of an impact Ria had on them.
"To all coming to G-A-Y Manchester tonight and in the future, please take a moment of respect and love for this beautiful woman," they posted.
"She was an absolute goddess, a queen and a genuine person that has gone too soon.
"Come into G-A-Y tonight and raise a glass to this wonderful person whenever Katy Perry or God Is A Dancer plays, and just appreciate this wonderful woman.
"Rest in paradise gal, hope you're vibing wherever you are."
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: "Police were called at 9am on Friday 6 March 2020 to a report that the body of a woman had been found at a hotel on Trinity Way, Salford.
"Emergency services attended and sadly found the body of a woman aged 18.
"There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding her death and a file has been passed to the coroner."
In addition, a spokesperson for Ainscow Hotel said that it was a "very difficult time for all concerned".
"I would just like to say that everyone connected to The Ainscow Hotel would like to send our heartfelt condolences to all of the family and friends and that our thoughts and prayers are with them at this difficult time."
