‘Our hearts are crushed’ – Family’s devastating tribute to ‘bubbly’ mum, 28, as murder probe details emerge amid arrest

THE family of a 28-year-old woman who died in Derry over the weekend have said their “hearts are crushed” amid a murder probe into her death.

Amy Doherty was found with critical injuries at a property in the Summer Meadows Mews area shortly after 10am on Saturday morning.

The mum-of-two was rushed to hospital from the scene but sadly passed away.

A 30-year-old man was later arrested on suspicion of Amy’s murder.

Tributes have steadily poured in for the well-liked woman since her passing and now her parents have also shared their heartbreak.

Fr Joe Gormley delivered the emotional tribute to “our beautiful only daughter” on behalf of Patrick and Sharon on Sunday.

The parents said Amy was the “best mum” to her children Rhea and Ronan and a loving sister to brothers Ryan and Shane.

Patrick and Sharon said: “Our hearts are crushed with disbelief, sadness and pain.”

They continued: “Amy’s life revolved around her love and care of Rhea and Ronan.

“In her daily work she cared for the sick and the elderly.

“Her bubbly character and fun-loving spirit lifted the hearts of all who met her. Please pray for us all at this time.”

Last night, the PSNI confirmed that the man arrested in connection with Amy’s death remains in custody at this time.

Detective Inspector Ferguson said: “Amy was found, badly injured, at around 10.20am on Saturday.

“She was taken to hospital by colleagues from the Ambulance Service but, sadly, passed away a short time later.

“At 28 years old, Amy was just a young woman. And my thoughts are, first and foremost, with her family and friends at this unimaginably distressing time.”

Detective Inspector Ferguson added: “A 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder, and remains in custody at this time.

“Our enquiries are continuing, and the local community will continue to see a police presence in the Summer Meadows area over the coming days.

“I am appealing to anyone with information to contact us on 101, quoting reference 469 of 21/03/2026.”

Amy’s funeral details have yet to be confirmed and the family has asked that the house remain private at present.

The family also said that donations can be made in lieu to Foyle Women’s Aid.

In a death notice for Amy the family additionally described her as “a much loved niece and cousin” who is “deeply regretted by all the family circle.”

Other tributes from friends remembered Amy as “the funniest person” and “one of a kind”.

One mourner wrote: “Sleep tight Amy, such a beautiful kind girl taken too soon. You did not deserve any of this, thinking of [your] two children, family and friends at this time.”

Another added: “You were a gem and the funniest person, the craic was always had with you. A whole town in mourning, shock and anger, the most terrible news ever wakening up to this today.

“A young, beautiful life taken way too soon in the most tragic, evil and most devastating way!

“Look after your babies and give your mammy, daddy and brothers the strength to get through this unimaginable loss. Rest easy wee dotes this should never have happened I have no words, pure evil.”

A third said: “You were one of a kind, always the funniest in the room with the biggest light and energy.

“I’m glad I had the pleasure of knowing you. Every memory I have of you is a happy one, I can hear you laughing, dancing and singing.

“This wasn’t supposed to be your time.”

A fourth friend added: “Nothing in this world can prepare you for seeing your lifelong best friend all over your newsfeed alongside horrific news headlines.

“So so hard to process that this is actually our Amy D and this is real life.

“Please give all your girls, ur mammy and daddy, brothers, your two wee babies and everyone who loved u the strength to come to terms with having u ripped away from us all.”