The devastated father of a young woman who died at the weekend has spoken of the family’s heartbreak at the loss of a “beautiful young lady”.

Chris Gibbons said the sudden and unexpected death of his 25-year-old daughter, Jessica, had left her family in complete shock.

Ms Gibbons, a popular and well-known member of staff at Red Steakhouse, was found in an unresponsive state in her Devonshire home on Sunday afternoon and later certified dead.

“Our family is in complete shock at our dear Jessica’s sudden and unexpected passing,” Mr Gibbons said.

“Even at the age of 25, losing a child is one of the hardest burdens for any parent to bear. We are all heartbroken and struggling to come to terms at the loss of someone with so much to live for and who was loved by so many people.

“The last time we saw her was on Thursday. She had just returned from a trip to Texas to see family members and was in a very happy, positive frame of mind.

“All we can do is grieve for, and be comforted by the many memories we have of a beautiful young lady who brought so much light into all our lives and will be so sorely missed.”

Ms Gibbons was born in Bermuda in 1990 to Mr Gibbons and Susan Wakefield Gibbons.

She attended Mount St Agnes Academy before travelling abroad to study at the Bishop Strachan School in Toronto.

Between 2008 and 2009, she studied fine art at the Ontario College of Art and Design in Toronto.

She went on to pursue a career in the hospitality industry on the island working at the Bermuda Bistro at the Beach for three years before joining Red Steakhouse when the new restaurant was established.

During her three years at Red Steakhouse, Ms Gibbons worked her way up the ladder and attained the position of assistant restaurant manager.

On Saturday, she joined the rest of the staff for an after-work drink at the end of her shift.

Andrew Trott, general manager of Red Steakhouse, told The Royal Gazette that staff had been left devastated to hear of Ms Gibbons’s death.

“She was just a wonderful girl,” he said. “She was smart and always had a smile on her face.

“The customers loved her and the staff loved her, too. She had a great sense of humour and a beautiful laugh.

“Jess took great pride in her job and had used her artistic ability to help us design all the menus.

“Everyone is completely devastated by what has happened. They have come together as a team and as a family, but they cannot believe she will not be coming to work again.”

Yesterday, police confirmed that an investigation into Ms Gibbons’s death was under way.

“We would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased,” the spokesman said. “The investigating officers are interested in speaking with anyone who may have seen or spoken to Jessica on Saturday night or early Sunday morning. They should contact Detective Sergeant Small of the Criminal Investigation Department on the main police line 295 0011.”