Danika McGuigan, otherwise known as Nika, has sadly passed away at the age of 33.
The actress, who is the daughter of former boxing champion Barry McGuigan, died “after a brief but brave battle against cancer”.
In a statement released through her agency, Nika’s heartbroken family said: “It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our beautiful daughter and sister, Danika ‘Nika’ McGuigan.”
“After a brief but brave battle against cancer, Nika passed away peacefully in the early hours of Tuesday 23rd July, surrounded by her loving family.”
“As a family we are devastated and ask for complete privacy during this difficult period to allow us to grieve for our Nika,” they added.
Nika starred in a number of film and TV productions, including the screen adaptation of Sebastian Barry’s novel The Secret Scripture.
Most recently, she starred alongside Seána Kerslake and Amy Huberman in RTÉ’s hit comedy series ‘Can’t Cope, Won’t Cope’.
The series was written by Stefanie Preissner, who has paid tribute to Nika on Twitter.
After the news of her death broke, the writer shared a photo of her and Nika on set, and wrote: “Shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the untimely passing of Nika McGuigan- the brilliant, lovely, Danielle in Can’t Cope Won’t Cope wouldn’t have been the same without her.”
“Deepest condolences to her family and loved ones. Xxx.”
Shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the untimely passing of Nika McGuigan- the brilliant, lovely, Danielle in Can’t Cope Won’t Cope wouldn’t have been the same without her. Deepest condolences to her family and loved ones. Xxx pic.twitter.com/cDo5fXClzV
— Stefanie Preissner (@StefPreissner) July 24, 2019
