A ‘BEAUTIFUL, loving and selfless’ 16-year-old girl died suddenly at home from a suspected blood clot.

Sophie Murray was taken ill at her family home in Accrington on Sunday afternoon.

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The Accrington Academy pupil was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital by ambulance but could not be revived.

Sophie, who had an ambition to become a paramedic, lived with mum Shelley Crichton, step-father Billy Dearden and 12-year-old brother, Dominic.

Mr Dearden said: “None of us can believe that she’s gone.

“Sophie was loved deeply by this family and will be missed terribly every single day.

“She was beautiful kind, generous, caring and opinionated.

“She was dedicated to her studies and dreamed of passing her exams and becoming a paramedic.

“Sophie was a typical teenager, enjoying music and going out socialising with her many friends.

“She became one of the Mindful Mentors at her school, which meant she gave guidance to younger students who may have been experiencing difficulties.

“That was typical of her, giving up her time so she could care for and nurture others.”

Mr Dearden said Sophie had passed away with her mother at her side, holding her hand.

He added that the family had been told that a post-mortem examination had found the cause of death to be a pulmonary embolism caused by deep vein thrombosis.

Principal at Accrington Academy, Andrew O’Brien, said pupils and staff were shocked and distressed on hearing of Sophie’s passing.

He said: “This is a tragic and sudden end to the life of a very popular, kind and gifted young girl.

“Sophie was a wonderful student and someone of whom we had very high expectations.

“It is so sad that her life has been cut short and, across the school, we are mourning her passing.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this tragic time and we share their grief at the loss of one of our own.”

Dozens of tributes to Sophie have been posted on Facebook, including one from Jade Mulrooney.

She said: “Rest in peace beautiful. I will never forget you.”

Sophie will be laying in rest from today at Champs Funeral Service, Bank House, Whalley Road, Accrington.

Her family said friends were welcome to say their goodbyes.

A file has been passed to the Blackburn Coroner’s office and an inquest into the full circumstances of her death will be held in due course.