A DERRY nun who died in an earthquake in Ecuador on Saturday has been described as a beautiful person.
Sister Clare Theresa Crockett, 33, was based in Playa Prieta with the Home of the Mother order.
It is believed that she was teaching guitar to young children when the earthquake struck.
The 7.8 magnitude quake – one of the worst the South American country has suffered – occurred in the Manta area on Saturday, April 16.
Over 270 people lost their lives in the earthquake and thousands were injured, with rescue operations still ongoing.
In a statement, her family said: "On Sunday 17th April, we lost our daughter, sister and aunt Sister Clare Theresa Crockett as a result of the earthquake in Ecuador.
The destruction in Manta, Ecuador (Photo: Getty Images)"She was situated in a school in Playa Prieta with the Home of the Mother Order. At this difficult time we would ask for privacy."
Fr Roland Cahoon – who knew Sister Crockett well – described her as a beautiful person.
Speaking to BBC Radio, Foyle on Sunday, he said: "The terrible news has devastated everyone in the last couple of hours. "This is a young girl who gave her life to God and died for the gospel.
"She was a joyful girl, I've known her since she was a teenager. A beautiful person.
"I'll remember the joy that she brought to her youth group and the enthusiasm she showed for her vocation to religious life.
"It's counter-cultural to join a religious order for a young girl and she embraced it. We'll remember her with such affection."
