Mother of Lyra McKee passes away 'peacefully' - say friends of writer

Q Radio news

The mother of murdered journalist Lyra McKee has passed away following an illness, according to friends of the writer. 

Joan McKee had been in hospital for several weeks, and is said to have died peacefully on Tuesday. 

Lyra, 29, was shot dead by the New IRA in the Creggan area of Derry - Londonderry last April. 

She had been taking shelter beside a PSNI landrover as riots broke out in the estate.

Joan's death comes just over five weeks before the first anniversary of her daughter's murder.

Lyra's death sparked major outrage at the dissident republican gunmen who had been targeting police officers with the fatal shot. 

It also marked a shift change in efforts to restore power-sharing at Stormont after years of political impasse between the DUP and Sinn Fein. 

The devolved government was eventually restored in January of 2020. 

Political journalist Suzanne Breen wrote on twitter "Joan's heart was broken & it couldn't be fixed. Two people were effectively killed by one shot that night in Derry. Shame on those who brought death & destruction into this family's life."

Joan McKee had issued a plea on social media several weeks ago after her mobile phone went missing from her hospital bed.

Lyra's sister Nicola Corner said at the time, that it contained precious images and messages between Lyra and her mother, which were 'irreplaceable'.

The Excalibur Press family offer our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family of our author @LyraMcKee
Yesterday Lyra’s mum Joan passed away peacefully.
Our love and thoughts are with all the McKee family, we’ll always be here for you xxx pic.twitter.com/JaDaqECtDx

— Tina Calder (@TinaCalder) March 11, 2020