Tragedy as ex-Taggart star’s daughter dead
FORMER Taggart and Coronation Street star John Michie has said his daughter’s death at Bestival was a “tragic accident”.
The 60-year-old said that the family had “lost an angel”, but that the death of 25-year-old Louella Michie was “not murder”.
He added: “We’ve lost our angel. It’s not murder – they were friends. It was just a tragic mistake, a tragic accident.
“She touched so many lives. She was so very positive, so bright, so out there. She had such energy. The tributes to her have been incredible.”
In a statement, Michie’s agent said: “Sadly, I can confirm the tragic death of John Michie’s daughter Louella at Bestival.
“John and his wife Carol ask that the privacy of their family be respected at this traumatic time.”
Police at the four-day music festival were alerted just before 1am yesterday to concerns for the welfare of Miss Michie, from London.
Following a search, her body was discovered in a wooded area on the edge of the site in Lulworth, Dorset.
A 28-year-old man from London has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
Dorset Police said he had been arrested “to enable officers to conduct an interview under caution to help establish the full circumstances”.
Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Derbyshire said: “Following the discovery of the woman’s body, we have now launched an investigation into her death.
“We have specially trained officers supporting her family at this very difficult time.
“Inquiries are now under way to establish how she died. A post-mortem examination will be carried out in due course and this should give us more of an indication as to the cause of her death.
“We are working closely with the festival organisers and I would appeal to anyone with any information about the incident to contact Dorset Police.”
In a statement, Bestival said: “Following the announcement, the team at Bestival are devastated to hear about this tragic news.
“We continue to support the police in their ongoing investigation and our thoughts and prayers are with all the woman’s family and friends.”
Festival founder Rob da Bank tweeted a link to the statement, which was posted on the festival’s Facebook page.