Robin Williams' daughter Zelda 'heartbroken' to hear of Cathriona White's death

The 26-year-old actress mourned the loss of the LA-based Irish make-up artist and actress on Twitter.

Cathriona White, from Cappawhite in Tipperary, began dating Hollywood actor Jim Carrey (53) in an on/off romance that lasted almost three years.

The 30-year-old was found dead in her LA residence yesterday by friends who alerted the LA Police Department.

In an online tribute to the young Irish woman, Zelda said she was 'heartbroken to continue to watch sweet, kind souls be consumed by darkness'.

She also posted a link to the official Pieta House website, writing: "In honor of @littleirishcat, please check out http://www.pieta.ie . They do great work in her wonderful home country. RIP Cat."

Zelda lost her father, the much-loved comedian and actor Robin Williams, to suicide in August 2014.

Ms White's death is being investigated as a possible suicide, with an examination scheduled for today, and the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office leading the investigation.

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Her former boyfriend Hollywood actor Jim Carrey also paid tribute to his ex-girlfriend, saying learning of her death was like being "hit with a lightning bolt."

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."

A statement last night on behalf of Ms White's family said: "The family of Cathriona White sincerely regret the untimely passing of their beloved daughter and sister.

"Cathriona was a shining light in our lives who was loved deeply by her entire family.

"We will miss her terribly and at this difficult time we ask to be left in private to mourn our loss."

Two friends called to Cathriona's home on Monday and called emergency services when they found her body but she was declared dead at the scene.

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Ms White trained as a beauty therapist in Ireland before moving to the US in the hope of building a career in the Hollywood movie business.

It is understood the couple met on set and Carrey spoke briefly about their romance in 2013 when he said she was "lovely".

Ms White had an older sister Lisa, who is believed to have travelled to the US last month on a visit, and an older brother James, who was a Lance Corporal in the Parachute regiment and honoured by the Queen for his bravery in Afghanistan.

The family were said to be well known and regarded in the local community in rural Tipperary.

They were said to be avid fans and supporters of Gaelic games.

*Helplines include the Samaritans 116 123, Console 1800 247 247. The official Pieta House website and contact list is here.