Heartbreak as tributes paid to Derry nun killed in Ecuadorian earthquake

Tributes have been paid to a young nun from Derry who has been killed in an earthquake in Ecuador.

Sister Clare Theresa Crockett (33), from the Long Tower area of the city, had been working at a school in Playa Prieta with the Home of the Mother Order.

Almost 300 people were killed in the earthquake which hit the south American country at the weekend.

In a statement this morning, Sister Clare's family said: "On Sunday 17th April, we lost our daughter, sister and aunt Sister Clare Theresa Crockett as a result of the earthquake in Ecuador.

"She was situated in a school in Playa Prieta with the Home of the Mother Order. At this difficult time we would ask for privacy."

Tributes to Sister Clare have been left on the Facebook page of the Home of the Mother Order.

LaLa Gonzalez wrote: "My heart aches with the loss of these beautiful souls. Sister Claire will always be remembered for her beautiful smile, charisma, and the joy that brought to many."

Mary Hall wrote: "Truly blessed to have known Sr Clare Crockett, a model for the youth giving her life to the home especially in the sevice of the poor."

The Department of Foreign Affairs in the Republic is liaising with the Crockett family.