Heartbreaking tributes pour for ‘quiet & gentle’ woman, 31, after body found in Lough Erne as family confirm funeral

HEARTBREAKING tributes have poured in for Lyndsey Rankin, 31, whose body was found in Lough Erne on June 30 after an almost four-week search.

Northern Irish woman Lyndsey was reported missing from the Castle Archdale Marina area of Lisnarick in Co Fermanagh on June 5.

She has been remembered as a “quiet and gentle” person who will be “remembered with great affection”.

A death notice shared for Lyndsey said that she was the “dearly beloved daughter of Jennifer and William” and the “devoted sister of Ross and Jordan”.

She was also the “much-loved niece and cousin and loved by her pet dog Buddy”.

Lyndsey’s family have said that all are welcome to call at her home in Castlederg today from 1pm to 10pm.

A Service of Thanksgiving for her life will be held in her home on Friday at 2pm. Burial will follow in Castlederg Cemetery.

The 31-year-old’s family have requested flowers only, and any donations, if desired, be made to Search and Rescue teams.

The death notice concluded: “Lovingly remembered by the entire family circle, ‘You may not be here, but you will live forever in our hearts’.”

Raphoe Hockey Club, where Lyndsey was a player, shared a tragic tribute to her.

It read: “Lyndsey was a valued member of our Ladies 2nd XI. Quiet and gentle by nature, she was always determined on the pitch and very much part of our hockey family.

“Those who had the privilege of playing alongside her will remember her with great affection.

“Everyone at the club extends our heartfelt condolences to Lyndsey’s family, friends and everyone whose lives she touched.

“Our thoughts are with them all at this incredibly difficult time.

“Rest peacefully, Lyndsey. You will always be remembered as part of our club.”

A major search operation was commenced by the PSNI when Lyndsey failed to make contact with her family.

The PSNI, Coastguard, Community Rescue Service, Foyle Search and Rescue and the RNLI were all involved in the almost four-week search for the 31-year-old.

Her body was found at Lough Erne, not far from where Lyndsey was last seen earlier this month.