POLICE IN Mauritius hope that a postmortem today will reveal the cause of the death yesterday of Michaela Harte, daughter of the Tyrone football manager Mickey Harte.
The 27-year-old teacher was found dead in her Mauritius hotel room yesterday afternoon where she was on honeymoon with Down footballer John McAreavey.
A joint statement yesterday was issued by her father and her husband’s uncle, Catholic Bishop of Dromore John McAreavey, who officiated at her wedding.
“We wish to confirm that we have received confirmation this afternoon that Michaela, married on December 30th, 2010, to John McAreavey, was killed today in Mauritius where the couple were on honeymoon.
“We ask for prayers for Michaela, John and their families and loved ones. Both families are deeply shocked and devastated by this tragic news, and they ask for privacy and space at this time of profound grief.”
A police spokesman said an “investigation was under way” into her death. Police were unable to confirm the cause of death but said this would be clearer after a postmortem, which is to take place this morning.
A spokesman for the Legends Hotel, Grand Gaube, Mauritius, said Michaela’s body was found in her room by her husband at 3pm (11am Irish time) yesterday . The hotel called police immediately, and an investigation was under way “as is normal procedure”.
It was reported last night that she went to rest and make a cup of tea but her husband became concerned when she failed to reappear.
She is survived by her husband John, parents Mickey and Marian, and brothers Mark, Michael and Matthew.
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