Last night, investigative journalist Lyra McKee was shot dead in a terrorist incident on the streets of Derry. A gunman shot her in the head as she attempted to cover riots on the Creggan area of the city.

I had the pleasure to know Lyra, who was one of the nicest, smartest nad most decent people I have ever met. Lyra was part of a new generation of Northern Irish journalists (and young people) who had moved past sectarian identities and wanted to build a more progressive, more peaceful Northern Ireland. Lyra was a powerful advocate for LGBTi rights, civil liberties and human rights.

Lyra was also an incredible investigative journalist. She was in Forbes 30 Under 30 List, had a growing international reputation and was working on her second book.

I had the pleasure to get to know Lyra through her working on the grassroots campaign to reform the law of libel in Northern Ireland. Lyra was a passionate defender of press freedom and exposing the truth.

You don't expect journalists to be killed anywhere. For it to happen to a friend, in a (troubled) democracy, is just unbelievable. I feel so sad for Lyra's family. She was an incredible person and I will really miss her x

*All the money in this Gofundme will go to the family of Lyra McKee for funeral expenses and to decide on her legacy.*