The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
‘Much loved’ teen Mhari found dead on Calton Hill
PROBE: Appeal for information as death of 15-year-old girl shocks community
The family of a teenager who was found dead on Calton Hill in Edinburgh have paid tribute to the “much loved” girl as they appealed for information.
A member of the public found the body of Mhari O’Neill, 15, at around 6.30am on Saturday after she was reported missing early that morning.
Police are treating the death as unexplained as they try to piece together what happened in her final hours.
Officers believe the teenager, who was from Willowbrae, met a friend in the city centre near Waverley Station on Friday before later going to Calton Hill.
In a statement issued through Police Scotland, her family said: “Mhari was much loved by all that knew her and we know that her passing will have a profound impact on her closest friends, as it has ourselves.
“Mhari was considering applying to attend university and one of her main passions was music; she loved going to gigs.
“What we need now is to find out exactly what happened to Mhari and we want anyone who thinks they may have information to get in touch with the police.
“We thank everyone for their support and ask that we be left in privacy to grieve at this time.”
Police are urging anyone with information about the teenager’s movements to contact them.
Detective Inspector Susan Balfour said: “Our deepest sympathies are with Mhari’s family and friends at this time and we are carrying out a thorough investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding her death.
“We believe Mhari met a friend in the city centre, near to Waverley Station, on Friday afternoon before making her way to Calton Hill sometime later.
“However, we are keen to hear from anyone who believes they may have seen her throughout the evening or early morning of Saturday, so we have a clearer picture of all her movements.”
Anyone with information can contact the Major Investigation Team in Edinburgh via 101 and quote incident number 900 of December 8.
Ruth McKay, head teacher at Portobello High School, where Mhari was a pupil, said: “Everyone at the school is deeply saddened and shocked to hear about Mhari’s sudden death.
“The Portobello school community is a very close one and our thoughts are with her family.
“Mhari was a lovely, friendly girl who was well-liked by both staff and young people. Her bubbly, out-going nature and ready smile will be much-missed in school.”