The cause of Nora Quoirin’s death remains unknown as the investigation continues into what happened to the 15-year-old whose body was discovered more than a week after she went missing in Malaysia.
An update on the cause of death had been expected today but a post-mortem examination at a hospital in Seremban is ongoing and no further developments are expected until tomorrow.
The teenager – who was born with the brain defect holoprosencephaly and was described by her family as “vulnerable” – disappeared on Sunday August 4.
Her body was discovered yesterday beside a small stream about 2.5 kilometers from the jungle resort of Dusun, where she had been on holiday with her parents and two siblings.
Matthew Searle of the Lucie Blackman Trust, which is supporting Nora’s family, said: “The post-mortem is ongoing, therefore no conclusion has been reached yet.”
A police press conference, due today, is now expected to take place at an as-yet unspecified time tomorrow.
Nora’s devastated family have said their “hearts are broken” and paid tribute to her as “the truest, most precious girl”.
They made an emotional statement released through the trust, describing how the teenager, who is the daughter of French-Irish parents, had “truly touched the world”.
They said: “Nora is at the heart of our family. She is the truest, most precious girl and we love her infinitely.
“The cruelty of her being taken away is unbearable. Our hearts are broken.”
They offered thanks to those involved in the search for the teenager, adding: “Nora has brought people together, especially from France, Ireland, Britain and Malaysia, united in their love and support for her and her family.”
Hundreds of people were involved in the search operation and it was volunteer helpers who found her body.
During the 10-day search the teenager’s parents, Meabh and Sebastien Quoirin, thanked those looking for her, as fundraising pages set up by Nora’s aunt and uncle collected more than £100,000 from well-wishers.
A book of condolence was opened today in Belfast, where Mrs Quoirin is from.
The head teacher at Nora’s school in Wandsworth, south-west London, paid tribute to her as “a delight to work with” and said her fellow pupils and others who knew her will be supported at such a difficult time.
Mike Reeves said: “The Garratt Park School community is deeply shocked and saddened by this awful news.
“Nora was a delight to work with, and focused very hard on making the best of her abilities.”