A Co Tyrone teenager has been remembered as a “girl of beautiful talent”, after a multi-agency search ended with the worst possible news.
Aisha Petrikova was last seen in the Dungannon area on Monday night.
Community Rescue Service Specialist Search teams, using specialist search equipment responded, on Tuesday morning.
But after extensive searches involving Community Rescue, PSNI and Search & Rescue Dog Association – SARDA Ireland North, the Community Rescue Specialist Search Teams stood down after Aisha was located deceased.
The loss of such a young woman, with her whole life ahead of her, has sent shockwaves throughout the community.
Paying tribute was St Patrick’s College in Dungannon, where Aisha had attended up until June.
In an emotional post on social media tonight (Wednesday), the St Patrick’s College wrote: “Today our hearts are heavy as we come to terms with the tragic news of the untimely passing of our former student Aisha Petrikova.
“Aisha finished school in June 2025, ready to go out into the world and shape the next chapter of her journey. She was fiercely independent, with a unique sense of style and a girl of beautiful talent.
“Her Art Work took pride of place in our June Exhibition and she shared her love for guitar and music with her peers.
“Aisha had a keen sense of justice, she looked out for others and just today a Year 9 student spoke of how Aisha checked on her when she was a new Year 8 student and before she had found a friendship group.
“Above all else, Aisha loved her family, her daddy Lubos and siblings Jessica, Megan and Lubos and, of course, Toby her dog
“She missed her dear mother Janette terribly (RIP).
“We extend our deepest sympathies to Aisha’s family and her friends. Aisha will be sorely missed.
“May Aisha’s gentle soul rest in eternal peace.”
The Community Rescue Search team, which had joined the operation to help find Aisha, also offered its condolences.
CRS Belfast District said: “The Community Rescue Service managment team and all our volunteers offer our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family, friends, work colleagues and school friends at this most sad and difficult time.
“We would also want to thank the police who worked tirelessly alongside ourselves and SARDA to bring this unfortunate situation to a conclusion and also the local community who were outstanding in their support throughout this emergency incident.”
A funeral for Aisha, of Braeside in Dungannon, will take place on Friday in St Patrick’s Church, Dungannon at 10am.
A private cremation will take place afterwards in Lakelands Crematorium, County Cavan.
A death notice said Aisha’s loss is “deeply regretted by her loving father, sisters, brother, Lubos’ partner Paula and her children Bethany, Chloe and Emilie and entire family circle and friends”.
To all of the family, and all who knew and loved Aisha, we offer our sincere condolences at this time.
