Tributes paid to tragic young mother killed in Whitburn

Dec 16 2010 by Alistair Watson, West Lothian Courier

THE family of Nattalie Muir have promised to make sure that her young daughter Paige will never forget her.

The 21-year-old was found with severe injuries in Brucefield Drive, Whitburn, in the early hours of Saturday morning but later passed away at Wishaw General Hospital.

Three people, including a 15-year-old teenage boy, have since appeared in court in connection with her death.

In a moving statement Nattalie’s dad Callum paid tribute to his “beautiful and loving” daughter.

The 41-year-old said: “Nattalie’s death has had a devastating effect on all of us, and we are struggling to come to terms with our loss. She was a devoted mother to her daughter Paige, and was adored by everyone.

“She was beautiful, loving, caring and generous, with a great personality and sense of fun. Her loss in such tragic circumstances has been a huge shock to all of us, but we will always treasure the happy memories of her as a loving mum, sister, daughter, granddaughter, niece, cousin, and of course, friend.

“We still cannot believe that this has happened to such a loving and happy young person and will make sure that Paige will never forget you darling.”

The mother-of-one’s death has resonated throughout the community, which is struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.

One floral tribute left at the scene of her death, believed to be from her Aunty Lesley, reads: “Words cannot express how much you will be missed. You are loved so much by so many. We will always remember you. You will live on through your daughter. Love you always.”

Over 2000 people have joined a Facebook page set up in Nattalie’s memory.

The page states: “This is a page for family and friends of Nattalie to write a memorial and share how they are feeling. Nattalie was a truly wonderful person. She had a bubbly personality and on every occasion was laughing away and generally having fun. She will be missed until the end of time, her memory living in our hearts.

Friend Sharon Morrison wrote: “So many hearts have been broken. You’re safe from harm now honey. Sleep soundly with the angels.”

Jenna McIlwaine wrote: “I’m going to miss you so much, still got my happy memories locked away never forget you chick love your best mate always.”

Ian Adair, head teacher of Nattalie’s former school, Whitburn Academy, said: “The news that broke over the weekend is truly shocking and the fact that young people are involved is particularly upsetting.

“Whitburn is a small town and most people will be touched by this incident in some way. We are offering our pupils whatever support they need to help them.

“On behalf of the school community I would like to extend our thoughts and deepest sympathies to Nattalie’s friends and family at the very difficult time.”

Leader of West Lothian Council Peter Johnston added: “We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Nattalie’s family and friends. We would appeal to the community to come forward and help the police with their enquiries.

“It’s also a very unsettling event for the whole community and we are sure that the local community will rally round and support each other.”