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The grieving family and boyfriend of an Irish doctor killed in the Air France plane disaster said tonight they were enormously relieved that her body has been recovered.

Dr Jane Deasy (27) from Dublin, died with two friends, Dr Aisling Butler and Dr Eithne Walls on board the flight which crashed into the Atlantic on June 1st, killing all 228 people on board.

A statement on behalf of mother Barbara, father Joseph, and sisters Caragh and Alison said they had been comforted by messages of support since her death.

“The members of the Deasy family and Alex Creavin, beloved boyfriend, are enormously relieved that the body of the late and the loved Dr Jane Deasy has been found,” it read.

“They wish to thank all those who prayed for her return and send messages of support, which were a source of great comfort at this very difficult time.

“The thoughts of the family and Alex are with the Butler and Walls families and they are praying that the bodies of Jane’s beloved friends Aisling and Eithne will also be found.”

They also thanked authorities involved in the search mission and embassy staff.

“They wish to express sincere gratitude for the courtesy and professionalism shown of all agencies involved; the gardaí, and in particular the investigating team who went to Brazil, the Department of Foreign Affairs in Ireland and Brazil, the US embassy, the Brazilian and French authorities and Air France,” they said.

“Finally, the family ask the media to respect their privacy at this very difficult time.”