Holly Hagan-Blyth has shared the devastating news that her younger sister Darci has died aged just 19.
The Geordie Shore star confirmed the tragedy on Instagram, revealing her sister "passed away peacefully holding my hand surrounded by family & her best friends."
"She was never in any pain," Holly wrote in an emotional post that's left fans heartbroken.
Holly Hagan's sister dead
The reality favourite told followers that the past few days had been "something I hope no family ever has to go through".
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"We are traumatised in every sense of the word," she continued. "One day we will share Darci's story."
She went on to urge fans and the press to respect her family's privacy.
"But for now I please ask that you do respect our privacy and allow us to process what has happened," she said. "I would like to ask the press to please refrain from speculating and writing stories that could further traumatise my family. They do not deserve that. I chose this job they did not."
Holly Hagan's sister statement
The 32-year-old star praised emergency workers and hospital staff who cared for Darci during her final moments.
"To the incredible ambulance crew, and everyone at Manchester Royal Infirmary A&E & ICU, thank you so much for giving my sister the absolute best chance," she said.
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Holly continued: "Because of you all we have had the opportunity to hold her hand, stroke her hair and feel her heart beating for the last time. We will forever be grateful for the way you have looked after her and us throughout this unimaginable process."
She also told fans she'll continue working to financially support her family through their grief, explaining that any upcoming posts are pre-recorded.
"Right now, my job is to support my family in any way that I can to ensure they don't have to worry about work/finances. Any posts you see this month are pre-recorded and scheduled ahead of time. I will be continuing to work so they do not have to."
Holly Hagan's sister Darci
In a touching tribute, Holly reflected on her sister's humour, quirks and kind heart.
"Darci is so beautiful and she genuinely didn't even realise it," she wrote. "I always told her she'd look better without the huge spider lashes but we all know what a hypocrite I was being since I wore 9 pairs at her age!"
"She lived in Darci world, forgetting to turn lights off, didn't know how to lock doors after coming in from a night out, leaving the freezer open so my mam came down to a puddle of defrosted food."
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Holly fondly described her sister as the "best aunty" to her son Alpha-Jax, recalling how Darci spent his whole birthday on the bouncy castle with him and his cousin Alba.
"She wanted to go into social work, after finding a passion for helping children. And I just know she's looking after all the babies up there," she added.
"I don't know if I'm behaving in a way I assumed I would when grieving but I genuinely feel she has given me so much strength and is watching over us all as our guardian angel. We love you so much baby girl. Forever 19."
Holly Hagan's sister tributes
Holly's heartbreaking announcement has been flooded with messages of love and support from friends and fellow Geordie Shore stars.
Charlotte Crosby wrote: "I'm blessed to have known such a beautiful girl! Alpha Jaxs birthday will be how I will remember your beautiful sister Darci. Alba spent all day playing with her!
"She naturally gravitated to her because Darci radiated warmth and sunshine! So kind and caring. Reading this post has broke my heart. I love you so much Holly sending so much love to you your mam and John."
Nathan Henry added: "Holly, im so so sorry for you and your families loss. I'm sending you all love and hugs."
Holly's ex, Kyle Christie, shared: "So sorry to hear this Holly my heart is broken for all of you, if you need anything from any of us we're all here for you and your family."
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Sophie Kasaei posted: "A family should never have to go through this ever. I wish I could take this pain away my amazing Holly. Darci was and is an angel and will always be guiding you and your family. You have strength I admire and I'm so proud of you for having to keep the family together. I love you endlessly and we will be there for you through this journey of grief. Our angel Beautiful Darci."
Messages of support also came from Kelsey Parker, Nicole Bass and Shaughna Phillips, who all sent heartfelt condolences to the grieving family.
Who is Darci Hagan?
Darci and Holly shared the same mum, Vicki, but had different fathers.
While Darci preferred to live out of the spotlight, Holly had previously opened up about her younger sister in her memoir Not Quite a Geordie.
"When my sister Darci was born, I loved her, but she was too small for me to even bother with at that stage," she wrote.
"It was only when she was a little bit older, when I would babysit, that I could really enjoy having fun with her. But when she was first born, she would cry and scream and keep the whole house awake. Honestly, she was the worst baby ever. I don't think she slept for two years. All night long she would let out blood-curdling shrieks at the top of her voice."
Holly's fans have flooded social media with tributes to Darci, sending love and prayers to the family as they come to terms with the unimaginable loss.
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