Katy passed away in her sister's arms

It has been confirmed in a statement issued this evening by model Katy French's family that the model passed away peacefully in the arms of her sister Jill and alongside her parents at around 5pm today.

The family said they had been overwhelmed by the letters, blessings, gifts and prayers from people all over the country during Katy's time in hospital.

"It gave us strength and helped Katy so much. Although we did not get our yearned for miracle, all the expressions of love you sent her were powerfully healing in different ways," the statement said.

French celebrated her 24th birthday, along with a host of celebrity and media friends, only last Thursday in Dublin's Krystle nightspot.

Born in Switzerland, Katy's family moved to Ireland when she was still young and settled in Enniskerry, Co Wicklow.

After completing her Leaving Certificate she went on to study psychology but her future lay elsewhere and she signed up to Assets Modelling Agency.

The top model came to prominence after the media attention which surrounded her very public break-up with fiancé, Dublin restaurateur Marcus Sweeney.

Her profile was boosted even further by a number of TV appearances, including a part in RTÉ's reality show Celebrities Go Wild.

In a recent media interview the model admitted to taking cocaine in the past but she insisted she had stopped using the drug.

A statement from the Health Service Executive confirmed Ms French’s death at Our Lady’s Hospital in Navan.

A spokesperson added: “The HSE wishes to extend its sympathies to the family of the late Katy French.”

Gardaí tonight confirmed they were continuing their enquiries and would be awaiting the results of a post mortem examination.