The body of Caoimhe Gault, 25, was found at her home in Dundee on Friday.
Investigators have ruled out suicide and do not believe foul play was involved in the death of Caoimhe, who was described by friends as “chatty, bouncy and friendly”.
Caoimhe, originally from Enniskillen, Northern Ireland, finished a nursing degree just two months ago and was set to take up a job in a London hospital in the next few weeks.
She modelled for Next, took part in modelling competitions and was trying to get into television, auditioning for a part in the Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks.
Family members from Northern Ireland travelled to Dundee following the tragedy, including Caoimhe’s mother, Tara Gault, 47.
She broke the news on Twitter, writing that the “soul of her life” had died.
She added: “Please spare a thought for my daughter Caoimhe Gault who tragically died today.
“My heart is broken – she was my world.”
In another emotional tweet the following day Tara wrote: “My daughter died aged 25. I’ve lost my daughter, friend and soul of my life.
“She was ready to take on the world, but it was not to be RIP.”
Caoimhe’s uncle Gareth also wrote a moving tribute on Facebook to his sister Tara about the death of his niece.
Missed
He said: “She was so happy and beautiful and it was magic to see her so happy.
“She loved you beyond words and she was as good a daughter as you a mum – my love and thoughts are with you.”
Devastated mum Tara also tweeted U.S. television psychiatrist Dr Norman to tell him of her loss.
He replied: “I am very sorry to hear of this. You are in our thoughts… our prayers.”
Stylist Matt Fox – who studied at the London College of Fashion and worked with Caoimhe – tweeted: “RIP @caoimhegault – lovely girl, will be sorely missed x”
Miss Gault graduated with a BSc in mental health nursing from AbertayUniversity in January this year.
An AbertayUniversity spokesman said: ‘”The university is very sorry to hear of this tragic death, and our thoughts are with Caoimhe’s friends and family at this difficult time.”
On her own Twitter page Caoimhe described herself as ‘crazy and always up for a party.’
She also had a modelling profile page with an agency known as Purestorm.
Competition
In a description of herself the 5’6” model – who was most interested in swimwear and hair modelling – said: “I am a 22-year-old mental health nursing student and have done a degree in forensic science and I am currently living in Dundee.
“I have always loved modelling and being at the modelling competition has made me want to work harder.
“I am ambitious and a very hard worker. I love trying new ideas and am willing to travel to get the best shot.
“I am pretty flexible with travel dates and the only time of year I struggle in from April to September – at these times I need more notice due to nursing placement.”
Miss Gault also took part in the Top Model UK competition and worked alongside a host of photographers and make up artists.
Sandra Cormack of SC Makeup Artistry said: “I put a shout out for a retro shoot and quite a few girls got in touch and I picked Caoimhe.
“She was really nice, very chatty, bouncy and friendly.
Finalist
“Her thing was mental health nursing because that’s what she chatted about – it was her passion and is what she loved doing but I think modelling was something she also loved doing.”
In 2004, Caoimhe – who was 17 at the time – also auditioned for a part in the Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks.
She was one of seven finalists from Northern Ireland after 20,000 hopefuls applied for a place on the show.
But it is understood Caoimhe may have had a troubled past as four years ago she issued an emotional plea to track down her father.
On the Missing You website a post signed by Caoimhe Gault and dated 1 August read: “I’m looking for my father. His name is Paul Harrigan. I will be 22 on 1st Sept.
“My mum is from Enniskillen. If you are out there I would love to meet you.”
Tayside Police confirmed they are looking into the death of the young model.
A police spokeswoman said: “We can confirm we attended at Scott Street in Dundee on Friday March 1 following the sudden death of a 25-year-old woman.
“This death is being treated as unexplained and as with all sudden deaths a report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.”
