The family of a teenager who died after falling 50ft off a cliff in Caithness, Scotland, say they are “absolutely devastated” by her death.
Alesha Wright, 18, tragically died Monday night (July 11) following the Thurso horror incident.
Alesha’s family, which includes three younger siblings, released a statement today about their “unimaginable” loss.
They said: “We are absolutely devastated to have lost our beloved Alesha, who to many was a much loved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin and friend.
“As parents, the thought of surviving Alesha was unimaginable and we ask that our privacy be respected at this extremely trying time.”
Alesha Wright, 18, fell to his death from a cliff in Caithness, Scotland, just before 5.50pm Monday night
Both Alesha (left) and her boyfriend Dominic Long, 26, (right) fell off the cliff – Alesha was pronounced dead at the scene but Dominic remains in hospital in intensive care
Detectives said it was “important that we piece together exactly what happened leading up to her fall” and appealed for witnesses to come forward
Alesha had posted on her social media accounts just 12 hours before the tragic incident on Monday night.
Among the tributes bestowed on her on social media, Alesha’s devastated mother Deb said she spoke to her daughter just hours before the incident and she doesn’t believe Alesha “jumped off the cliff”.
Another family member appealed to friends and family who “think they know or have ideas [about what happened]’Not to voice them on social media.
Mary Dasent, who is believed to be Mary’s grandma, wrote: “Alesha, I never saw you grow into the beautiful girl you have become.
‘Heaven won a beautiful angel, you were always on my mind, sleep tight sweet angle. Nan Maria xx.”
A 26-year-old man, local name Dominic Long, who is believed to have been in a relationship with Alesha, was flown to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness for treatment of serious injuries.
He is understood to be in intensive care.
Alesha’s death is currently being treated as “unexplained”. Police were called at 5.50pm Monday to report that a man and woman had fallen off a cliff.
Three coastguard rescue teams, along with a coastguard search and rescue helicopter from Inverness, responded to the scene.
The lifeboat Thurso was also launched to assist in the rescue.
Dominic’s brother Liam said Alesha was like a sister, adding: “She was such a beautiful girl with so much potential. I will miss you forever. I will meet you up there.”
Alesha’s friend Bridie Nicholson (left) said she loves Alesha with all her heart as tributes poured in from friends
Alesha’s family have asked for privacy, calling their loss “unimaginable” in a statement released today by police
In a separate post, he added: “I thought her and my brother would be together forever. It tears me up thinking how he must be feeling. Alesha, I will see you in heaven.’
Friends paid tribute to the “beautiful” teen on social media, writing: “Forever 18A love you with all my heart baby girl. Thank you for everything’.
A second said: “Fly high my beautiful love you forever and ever pet x. gonna miss you forever You touch all of our lives. Love you loads xxx.’
Others described her as a “princess” who had “a beautiful soul inside and out” or as the “loveliest and sweetest girl” they knew.
Even those who didn’t know Alesha well paid tribute to her “beautiful” and “kind” personality.
One such poster wrote on Facebook: “Just last week I was downtown with a friend.
“We did a week-long mission in Thurso and spoke to Alesha and her two friends.
“Like all of us, Alesha rejoiced in encouragement, and she rejoiced that we could pray with her.
“Today she is at peace and in God’s care.
“I pray for all of you at this very difficult time that you will experience God’s presence and comfort. May He bless you all and help you.’
Earlier that day, Alesha had asked her friends on Facebook for replacement paint and appeared to be planning decorating work.
Detective Inspector for Police Scotland Richard Baird said: “It is important that we put together exactly what happened leading up to her fall and we are conducting a range of inquiries to establish that information.
“Victoria Walk is a popular area and I would urge anyone who has seen her walking there, or any drivers who have been in the area and have dashcam footage, to speak to officers.
“I would ask anyone who has information or personal footage that could assist our ongoing investigation to contact officers on 101 quoting reference number 2876 dated July 11.”
