A FORMER Glasgow University student has died following a tragic incident while working on a yacht in Italy.

Breffni O’Connor, from Co Limerick in Ireland, was the university's Student Representative Council (SRC) President in 2015.

She has been described as a "kind, caring and passionate" person following her death aged 30.

It's thought Breffni, who had been working as a crewhand, slipped into the water while returning to the boat on the early hours of Saturday morning.

She had been at a local disco at the port of Ancona on the Adriatic Sea, as the Irish Times reports.

They say the exact circumstances surrounding Breffni's death are not yet clear but local police say they are not treating it as suspicious.

Tributes have since been paid to the Glasgow alumni, who studied zoology and animal biology. 

In a statement, Glasgow University Union wrote: "We have sadly learned that one of the Union’s most favourite former Board Members, Breffni O’Connor, died tragically this weekend in Italy.

"Breffni was an active member of the DF crew and PSM and later went on to hold the position of president at the SRC.

"She was funny, kind, caring, passionate, robust, the best friend and a brilliant Board Member. Her smile would light up a room and she’d talk to anyone.

"Indeed in a recent visit to Glasgow she took time to come into the Union and chat with all the current Board Members. She was, quite simply, a star!

"The President and the Board of Management cannot express enough how sorry we are and our deepest, heartfelt condolences go to all of Breffni’s family and friends."

As part of her role as vice-president and later president of the SRC, Breffni represented 26,000 students and lead a group of 45 volunteer students.

Glasgow Times: Breffni, pictured second centre-rightBreffni, pictured second centre-right

A spokesperson for the University added: "The SRC and the University are deeply saddened by the news that Breffni O’Connor, a UofG graduate and past-President of the SRC, passed away suddenly this weekend.

"Breffni was a popular and active member of the University community throughout her time as a student; serving on the Board of Management of the Glasgow University Union before becoming Vice President Student Activities and subsequently President of the SRC in 2014-15."

The uni added that her "energy and love of life" was reflected in her work as the first VP for Student Activities (VPSA)

Their statement continued: "Breffni’s Presidency was marked by many achievements, and her keen sense of fun and her natural irreverence brought a new dimension to the SRC.

 

"Breffni was always professional in her approach but, as the head of an organisation that’s often accused of being beige, she turned that round by bringing some colour and a positive, outward-looking approach to engagement with our students."

The uni also highlighted her role in establishing "Let's Talk, Gender-Based Violence initiative, continuing that it would be "impossible" in a short statement to list all of her achievements.

They added: "Breffni will be remembered by those who worked alongside her for her genuine commitment to student life here at the University, for her big smile and the joy and fun she brought to every situation, it was simply impossible not to enjoy yourself in Breffni’s company.

"We are all still processing this devastating news, and our thoughts go out to everyone who knew and loved her. 

"We will arrange an event in due course to remember Breffni’s life and her contribution to our UofG community."