Gaelic football chief's daughter found dead on exotic honeymoon

Emergency services were called to her hotel, where she had been staying with her husband. Michaela Harte, 27, married John McAreavey, a Down gaelic footballer, just after Christmas.

A joint statement by Mickey Harte and Catholic Bishop of Dromore John McAreavey said: "We wish to confirm that we have received confirmation this afternoon that Michaela, married on December 30, 2010, to John McAreavey, was killed today in Mauritius where the couple were on honeymoon.

"Both families are deeply shocked and devastated by this tragic news."

Friends of Mr Harte said last night the Tyrone Gaelic Athletic Association manager and his wife Marian worshipped their daughter.

Journalist Adrian Logan, a former sports presenter with Ulster Television, said: "Mickey adored her. He was totally devoted.

"He just thought the world of her. He told me: 'She's my little jewel'."

According to one unconfirmed report, the bride, who taught Irish at St Patrick's Girls Academy in Dungannon, Co Tyrone, had been swimming in the hotel pool before she died.

It is believed the honeymoon couple were staying at Legends Hotel in the fishing village of Grand Gaube in the north-eastern corner of Mauritius.

Hotel resident manager Xavier Arnoux said a body was found in a hotel room at around 3pm local time.

"We had an accident this afternoon, but we cannot speak too much about it because it is in police hands now," he said.

"It appears that a husband found the body of his wife."