Jim Carrey pays tribute to ‘Irish flower’ Cathriona White

Hollywood actor Jim Carrey has paid tribute to his ex-girlfriend Cathriona White, saying learning of her death was like being "hit with a lightning bolt".

The 30-year-old, born in Ireland, was found dead in her home on Monday, according to the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office.

In Carrey's statement, he said Ms White was a "kind and delicate Irish flower, too sensitive for this soil".

He added: “My heart goes out to her family and friends and to everyone who loved and cared about her. We have all been hit with a lightning bolt.”

Carrey (53) dated make-up artist Ms White briefly in 2012 and the pair were photographed together earlier this year.

The last two photos posted on Carrey’s Twitter account were credited to Ms White. She last posted on the social networking website on Thursday.

Ms White amassed behind-the-scenes credits in the US for her work as a make-up artist on The Online Gamer comedy TV series, as well as short films Firefly and Solitude.

She also played the role of an extra in various productions.

PA