The father of an Angus girl who tragically died has paid tribute to his child.
Shannan Stringer, 13, died at her grandmother’s home in Forfar on Thursday after suffering what is thought to have been an epileptic fit while lying in bed.
The teenager was taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee after an ambulance and the police attended at her grandmother’s home but the paramedics were unable to save her.
Shannan’s heart-broken father Martin, 42, described his daughter as “my life” and said she will be sorely missed.
“Shannan was staying with my mum for a week and she had a fit,” he said.
“My mum didn’t know what was happening. Shannan just had a fit and was choking for breath and that was it.
“She was such a happy, easy, bubbly girl with a lot of friends. She got on so well with her family and friends.
“She loved drama and just all the normal things that teenagers do, like music and games and going on trampolines and riding her bike. She was my life.”
Shannan was set to return to school on Tuesday as a second year pupil at Arbroath Academy.
Her father described her love of drama and how much effort she put into her out-of-school work with local production group the LimeLight Company.
Last night the men behind the group, Michael Carlin and Chris O’Mara, posted a fitting tribute to Shannan on their Facebook page to say goodbye.
It read: “Shannan Stringer was a huge part of LimeLight and although she battled through her illness, constantly lit up rehearsals with her smile.
“One of the kindest and most determined pupils the company has seen, she will be sorely missed by every member of LimeLight.
“The LimeLight Company are proud to announce that we will be renaming the Showstopper award in memory of Shannan, as she personified the meaning of the award sheer determination and effort, constantly working as hard as possible to achieve and be the best they can be.
“Our thoughts are with the family during this terrible time and hope they can keep strong and remember the fantastic times spent with Shannan, as well as the incredible person she was we know we will.”
As we went to press the post had received more than 450 likes and Martin said he felt proud to know that Shannan was cherished by so many.
He added: “That makes me quite happy. I’m proud. She was a likeable person and got on with everybody.
“She will be dearly missed.”
A police spokesman confirmed that they had attended at an address in Forfar on Thursday morning following an emergency call.
He added: “There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding this death. It is a tragic incident and a report will be sent to the procurator fiscal.”