The family of a teenager who died after falling 50 feet from a cliff in Caithness, Scotland, say they are “absolutely devastated” by her death.
Alesha Wright, 18, died tragically after the horror incident in Thurso on Monday night (July 11).
Alesha’s family, including three younger siblings, said in a statement today about their “unimaginable” loss.
They said, ‘We are devastated to lose our darling Alesha, who was a dearly beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, nephew and friend of many.
“As parents, the thought of surviving Alesha was unthinkable and we ask that our privacy be respected during this extremely painful time.”
Alesha Wright, 18, fell to her death from a cliff in Caithness, Scotland, shortly before 5:50pm on Monday night
Both Alesha (left) and her boyfriend Dominic Long, 26, (right) fell off the cliff – Alesha was pronounced dead at the scene but Dominic is still in critical care in hospital
Detectives said it is “vital that we summarize exactly what happened leading up to their fall” and are calling on witnesses to come forward
Alesha had posted to her social media accounts just 12 hours before the tragic incident on Monday night.
Among the tributes paid to her on social media, Alesha’s devastated mother, Deb, said she spoke to her daughter just hours before the incident and she doesn’t believe Alesha “jumped” off the cliff.
Another family member appealed to friends and family who “think they know or have ideas” [about what happened]’ not to express them on social media.
Mary Dasent, believed to be Mary’s grandmother, wrote: ‘Alesha, I never saw you grow up to be the beautiful girl you turned out to be.
‘Heaven has got a beautiful corner, you’ve always been on my mind, sleep well, sweet corner. Nan Mary xx.’
A 26-year-old man – known locally as Dominic Long – believed to be in a relationship with Alesha was flown to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness for treatment with serious injuries.
He is reportedly in critical care.
Alesha’s death is currently being treated as “inexplicable.” Police received a report at 5:50 p.m. on Monday that a man and woman had fallen off a cliff.
Three Coast Guard rescue teams arrived at the scene, along with a Coast Guard search and rescue helicopter from Inverness.
The lifeboat Thurso was also launched to assist in the rescue.
Dominic’s brother Liam said Alesha was like a sister and added: ‘She was such a sweet girl with so much potential, I will miss you forever. I’ll meet you up there.’
Alesha’s friend Bridie Nicholson (left), said she loved Alesha with ‘all her heart’ as tributes poured in from friends
Alesha’s family has appealed to privacy, describing her loss as ‘unbelievable’ in a statement released by police today
In a separate post, he added: “I thought she and my brother would be together forever, it breaks my heart to think how he must feel. Alesha, I’ll see you in heaven.’
Friends took to social media to pay tribute to the ‘beautiful’ teen, writing: ‘Forever 18 A, I love you with all my heart baby girl. Thanks for everything’.
A second said: ‘Fly high my beautiful love you forever and ever pet x. Will miss you forever. You touch our whole lives. I love your loads xxx.’
Others described her as a “princess” who “had a beautiful soul inside and out,” or as the “kindest and sweetest girl” they’d known.
Even those who did not know Alesha well paid a radiant tribute to her “beautiful” and “kind” personality.
One of those posters wrote on Facebook: ‘Last week I was in the center with a friend of mine.
“We were on a mission in Thurso for a week and we spoke to Alesha and her two friends.
“Like all of us, Alesha was happy to receive encouragement, and she was also happy that we prayed with her.
“She is at peace and in God’s care today.
“I pray for all of you at this very difficult time, that you may know God’s presence and comfort. May He bless and help you all.”
Earlier that day, Alesha had asked her friends on Facebook for extra paint and appeared to be planning some decorating work.
Detective Inspector for Police Scotland Richard Baird said: ‘It is vital that we summarize exactly what happened leading up to their fall and we are conducting a number of investigations to establish this information.
“Victoria Walk is a popular area and I would ask anyone who has seen them walking there or motorists who were in the area and have dashcam footage to speak to officers.
“I would ask anyone who has information or personal footage that could assist our ongoing investigation to contact officials at 101 quoting reference number 2876 dated July 11.”