Lyra McKee’s family have asked the public not to use her name for “any purpose” without their permission.
McKee, a 29 year-old journalist who had recently signed a two-book deal with Faber and Faber, was shot and killed by a gunman during a riot in the Creggan area of Derry last month.
In a statement yesterday, McKee’s family thanked everyone who had supported them “through the darkest times and those who will continue to do so”.
“The outpouring of love, respect and admiration for our dear Lyra, has been of great comfort to us in these dark days. To know that our wee Lyra was so well-loved across the globe and by people of all walks of life is a true testament to her personal philosophy and her vision for the world,”
“Whilst we have been both honoured and overwhelmed by requests for events in Lyra’s name or inspired by Lyra; we respectfully request that her life or death not be used for any purpose without the express permission of our family through our legal representatives.”
McKee’s family said they were appreciative of “every single sentiment no matter how small”.
“We know that as our nightmare continues in the weeks, months and years, that we will not be alone. We know that you will all continue to support us and we know that we will all rejoice together on the day that justice is achieved for our Lyra.”
Across Derry, Pro-IRA graffiti has been defaced and nationalist murals have been repainted with graffiti reading “Not in our name” and “RIP Lyra”.
McKee, an out gay woman, had been vocal in her support for the LGBT+ community. She was nominated for her work in investigative journalism at the GALA Awards in 2017.
During her funeral service, Fr Magill spoke of McKee’s work as a journalist “a powerful example of ‘The pen is mightier than the sword.’”
He told those involved in Northern Ireland politics, “I know you as politicians have a very difficult job, but then so too did Lyra. There is another valuable lesson from her life – she was like ‘a dog with a bone’ when she believed she could make a difference.
© 2019 GCN (Gay Community News). All rights reserved.
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