‘Beautiful & kind' Tipperary woman, 25, dies in Tenerife weeks after receiving cancer diagnosis as family issue plea
Samantha Kimene passed away in Tenerife last weekend, just a couple of weeks after being diagnosed with
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The heartbroken family has launched a GoFundMe plea
Credit: Paddy O'Kellys/Facebook
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Samantha tragically passed away after being diagnosed with Leukaemia and COVID-19
Credit: GoFundme
The Thurles woman moved to
Confirming the heartbreaking news, her uncle Arturs Kimene said that niece Samantha was admitted to the hospital with cancer and
He stated that the treatments for her conditions "didn't work" due to getting her diagnosis "too late".
Talking to the
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"So she got the diagnosis too late. What happened was, they were just trying to do the treatment for her, and it was unsuccessful because her body couldn't take it.
"She had Covid as well and the virus, or whatever it was, spread through her organs and just...she passed away, unfortunately."
Arturs confirmed that the heartbroken mother, Inese Kimene, and he are currently in Tenerife making arrangements to repatriate her to Ireland.
Launching the GoFundMe campaign, he has asked people to "help raise the funds" to bring her body back to Ireland and back home for the funeral.
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Assisting with the fundraiser, Samantha's friend said: "My friend Samantha moved to Tenerife,
"Unfortunately, today she has passed away as it was too late to cure the cancer this was very sudden and unexpected."
'LOVED BY MANY'
The friend added: "Her body is still in Spain and her family are trying to get her back home to Ireland."
"Samantha was a lovely, caring woman. She would light up any room she entered and was loved by many.
"Any donations would be greatly appreciated. Please help get Samantha get home to her family and friends."
The campaign was launched five days ago with the goal of €20,000.
As of this morning, it had reached over €16,000, with the community, loved ones and friends wanting to give Samantha the proper burial she deserves.
Those who wish to donate can do so by clicking on the '
HEARTBREAKING TRIBUTES
Her tragic death sent shockwaves within the community and beyond as tributes continue to pour in for the "lovely, caring woman".
Irish pub Paddy O'Kelly's wrote: "It's with a heavy heart that our colleague and friend, Sam has sadly passed away.
"She was a valued part of our team and will be deeply missed. A beautiful and kind human with the the biggest smile.
"We're still in shock and heartbroken."
A close pal said: "This is truly heartbreaking news, she was such a great girl and I will miss her and that gorgeous smile when I'm singing. Sleep easy beautiful"
A colleague added: "Full of life, with a glint in your eye, it was a pleasure to work with you. Mad and a little crazy but that was you! Gone far too soon, rest in peace little one."
Another staff wrote: "Such a beautiful human being was a pleasure not only to have her as a friend but when I worked with her at the old Anchor bar.
"RIP Samantha you will be Sadly missed by everyone who knew you x."
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