Family marks third anniversary of model Katy's death with prayers at her grave

The popular beauty died on December 6, 2007, four days after collapsing at a friend's house in Kilmessan, Co Meath.

And her mum Janet and only sibling Jill marked the sad occasion with a private visit to her grave in Wicklow where they paid an emotional tribute.

In previous years, they held a memorial service at St Patrick's Church in Curtlestown and invited Katy's closest family and friends to attend.

However, this year they decided to keep the occasion private as they marked the anniversary in their own way.

"It was obviously a very emotional day for all of Katy's family," said a close source.

"They wanted to mark the day in their own way by visiting her grave and remembering her in their prayers. It's hard to believe she's been gone three years already but it never really gets any easier for her family. She'll always be missed."

Huge shock surrounded the sudden death of the blonde beauty in 2007, who was one of Ireland's best-known models.

Just two days before she collapsed, she held a massive 24th birthday bash in Krystle nightclub where she looked radiant in a gold Chica dress.

She died a week later at Our Lady's Hospital in Navan surrounded by her family.

Meanwhile, the case against a man and a woman charged in connection with her death will be heard next February.

A post mortem found she had died as the result of brain damage and found traces of cocaine in her system.

mfinn@herald.ie