Tragic news for family of murdered UK backpacker

Laura Daniels, the sister of murdered UK backpacker Hannah Witheridge, has died after a prolonged illness.

Her family confirmed the news on Facebook, writing: "Can't believe we lost our beautiful girl x a strong woman who loved in an amazing way xx memories remain x always I will remember times gone by us four xx burley x America x I'm so sad for all who knew Laura Daniels and was loved by her xxxx"

The family later shared a photo of Laura along with the caption: "A picture paints a thousand words x their love x beyond time and space x a beautiful love story x of an amazing woman and a wonderful man x if anyone finds this love they are lucky xx rest now my darling Laura Daniels with our Hannah xxx"

The family, who lives in Norfolk, also released the following statement: "We confirm that our beautiful girl Laura passed away on Monday, September 16. Laura had been gravely ill and was being treated in hospital. Our hearts are broken, our lives are shattered once more.

"The pain of this loss is indescribable and our family very much need time and privacy during this unbearable time."

It is believed she died in hospital from a prolonged illness.

Laura's sister Hannah was 23 when she and friend David Miller, 24, were bludgeoned to death on a beach in Koh Tao in southern Thailand in September, 2014. Hannah was also raped and her half-naked body was found dumped on a beach.

In August, 2019, Thailand's Supreme Court upheld the death sentences for the two Burmese migrant workers - Zaw Lin and Wai Phyo -- also known as Win Zaw Htun.

Read more: Death penalty upheld for men convicted of killing British backpackers

Laura's death comes five years and one day after her sister was murdered. Last year, she spoke out about internet trolls who had targeted the grieving family with offensive posts that added to their suffering.

One man - Paul Hind, 38 - was jailed for 14 months at Newcastle Crown Court after he admitted making remarks about Hannah online.

Laura also led fundraising efforts to pay for the family to travel to Thailand and attend the trials. Writing on a crowdfunding page at the time she said: "The past year has thrown our lives into disarray, tarnished our trust in anything and everything and made us question humanity.

"On my darkest days, I think about the people who have thrown themselves out of planes, run significant distances and those who have sacrificed precious pounds from tight budgets to support us.

"It is in these selfless acts of kindness that I see reason to keep putting one foot in front of the other."