Campaigning BBC journalist, Hanna Yusuf, has died aged 27.
Hanna was described as ‘exceptional’ and ‘beautiful’, as well as a rising star.
We are all so heartbroken. The world has lost a bright young talent and we have lost a fierce and compassionate friend. We will celebrate and honour Hanna’s beautiful spirit but right now it is all just too sad. pic.twitter.com/H2YETfpojW
— Sophia Smith Galer (@sophiasgaler) September 30, 2019
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Hanna specialised in human rights and equality, and her recent investigations included working conditions in Costa Coffee outlets for BBC online.
She also covered Shamima Begum’s grooming by Islamic State and was a regular in newspapers and on news websites.
Hanna also spoke six languages, including Somali and Arabic, and also worked as a TV producer.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz-zmGEAumE/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Hanna’s family issued a statement. It said: “Hanna’s passing was sudden and unexpected and has come as a shock to us all.
“We kindly ask that our privacy is respected at this tragic time as we come to terms with our loss.
“We are grateful to everyone that has reached out to us with their kindness, love, compassion and support.
“Hanna was a dedicated young vibrant professional who became a bridge between the media and the community, helping break boundaries in providing a voice and representation.
“Many will know Hanna for her incredible contributions to journalism and for her work at the BBC.
“While we mourn her loss, we hope that Hanna’s legacy will serve as an inspiration and beacon to her fellow colleagues and to her community and her meaningful memory and the people she has touched for many years lives on.”
So very sad. Thank you for always being so kind. There weren’t many people who looked like us in our teams at the time and we bonded over this. You told me to believe in myself and my ideas. We have lost a ray of sunshine https://t.co/Wb1bNbhVGV
— K (@kb__rowne) October 1, 2019
Hanna lit up every room she was in with her passion, kindness and intelligence. A beautiful person, and incredibly talented journalist – so loved by everyone who knew her ❤
https://t.co/pWvuaBovWl— Ione Wells (@ionewells) October 1, 2019
There are no words right now to describe the pain of losing a best friend. Your beautiful smile, laugh and spirit. Your big heart. A rising star who will never be forgotten. You will always be loved and with us. #workwifeforlife 💛💛💛💛 https://t.co/LBs6DiiTjR pic.twitter.com/qn7RiAdYMN
— Rianna Croxford (@The_Crox) September 30, 2019
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Hanna’s shocked and devastated friends took to Twitter to express their grief and pay tributes.
One wrote touchingly: “There are no words right now to describe the pain of losing a best friend.
“Your beautiful smile, laugh and spirit. Your big heart. A rising star who will never be forgotten. You will always be loved and with us.”