Farewell to woman killed in balcony fall

HUNDREDS of mourners are expected to attend a funeral service tomorrow for a young woman who fell from a balcony while celebrating the outcome of a football match in Singapore.

Sarah Royle, known affectionately as "Sharky", died last month hours after watching England's World Cup win over Slovenia.

Her sisters, Johanna and Premsa, flew out to be at her bedside following a massive fundraising effort by the Hebden Bridge community which raised more than 23,000 to help the family meet repatriation, medical, legal and travel expenses.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

She had sustained massive head injuries and although surgeons performed a six hour operation there was no chance of survival and a life support machine was switched off after three days.

A funeral service for the 31-year-old will be held at the Good Shepherd Church, Mytholmroyd, at 11am followed by a service at the crematorium in Elland.

The Singapore police investigation continues and West Yorkshire Police have been in contact with the investigating officer. An inquest in Halifax was opened and adjourned on Thursday.

Johanna Royle said there were unanswered questions concerning her sister's death. She said: "Police have confirmed she didn't climb up the outside of the building but was seen running up the staircase inside. She tried to get into one apartment, rattling the door, but couldn't get in.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"But she got into another apartment. The person living there saw her running through. But we don't know why.''

Meanwhile she and Premsa have received an apology from a senior member of Calderdale Council after floral tributes and messages of condolence were taken to the tip by a council employee.

The council's director of safer and stronger communities, Robin Tuddenham, apologised for the removal of the tributes, which were taken from St George's Square, Hebden Bridge.