AN Irvine dance school has paid tribute to a teenager who was found dead in a park last week.

Tragic Codey Brown died in an apparent suicide near to Dean Park in Kilmarnock on the afternoon of Sunday, March 17.

The 18-year-old was a student and coach at All Star Dance and Cheer in Irvine and on hearing the shocking news the dance school’s boss, Tammy Harkin, paid tribute to the much-loved “talented and beautiful girl”.

She said: “It is with a broken heart I write this message. Sadly we lost one of your long term students and coaches Codey Brown, Codey was not only a talented dancer but a beautiful girl who touched everyone who met her with her infectious personality and spirited smile.

“Codey came to Allstar with her sister Teigan and straight away their talent was undeniable, their passion for dance and their team was mimicked by her mum Karen and granny Irene who quickly not only became part of Allstar but our families.

“Codey was a spirited young lady who as a child had a determination like no other...for example wanting to take her cast off when she broke her arm just so she could compete with her team at Scotcheer. That’s how much love she had for dance and her team and In turn that’s how much we loved Codey.

“To all of our students who will be grieving at the loss of Codey we are here for you and dance is a safe space for you. Our lives will never be the same again. Love Coach Tammy”

Codey’s sister Teigan also posted a heartfelt tribute to her sister online, saying: “Never in a million years I thought I’d be writing this.

“But sadly my best friend and sister all in one has gained her angel wings, you really were one of a kind Codey and I don’t think you ever realised that and I just wish you were here to see all the people that love and care for you. I don’t think it’s ever going to sink in that I will never see your gorgeous face again and get to annoy you like I did, you were such an amazing sister and will forever be in my heart, rip codey, gbnf.”

Police Scotland confirmed the teenager’s death, saying: “At around 4.40pm on Sunday an 18-year-old girl was found dead near to a park on Dean Street, Kilmarnock.

“A post mortem will take place in due course to establish the exact cause of death, however police are not treating the death as suspicious.”