Aideen Kennedy dies: UTV presenter dies aged 43 after asking fans to ‘pray for me’

Aideen Kennedy spent weeks in hospital undergoing 12 blood transfusions before announcing she would ‘go home to die’ on Friday, with the support of palliative care

Aideen Kennedy, a former UTV host, has died aged 43 after a battle with a terminal illness.

She is a popular UTV news presenter – the equivalent of ITV in Northern Ireland – and posted pictures of herself in hospital earlier in the week due to an illness, the nature of which was not disclosed. .

Aideen on Tuesday updated her 16,600 Twitter followers about her long time in the hospital. She shared photos of herself receiving a blood transfusion with the caption: “Day 19 in the hospital – pray for me. Bleeding in the stomach.”

On the same day, she posted another picture of a blood bag, praising blood donors.

Aideen wrote: “God bless blood donors, I’m mine for the 12th transfusion and I can’t believe someone could be so kind and selfless.”

On Friday morning, she revealed that she would be “going home to die”, with the support of palliative care.

The Twitter post, which has garnered more than 10,600 likes, said: “So life didn’t go well and I was as sick as I was in the hospital so I went home basically to die but get palliative care.

“The kids know. If you’ve ever seen them, have you noticed them, they’re the kindest, cutest and most caring kids.”

UTV colleague Rita Fitzgerald replied: “Dear Aideen, I’m so sorry to hear this. My heart is breaking for you. I’m here if you can do anything. Much love xxx .”

Close friend Emma Little-Pengally announced her death Saturday night on Twitter.

She tweeted: “Absolutely devastated. My beautiful, funny, kind friend Aideen has passed away. I will miss her so much. We met 22 years ago when we were living together. room in the summer in DC and become best friends. Goodbye pretty girl.”

Former vice chair of the Council on Education Committee Chris Lyttle, who became friends with Aideen and Emma through the Washington Ireland Program at the start of their careers, also paid tribute on Twitter.

He wrote: “Rest in peace Aideen. I am so grateful for the recent time spent together.

“May your family be comforted by the life and love you have brought into this world. I sincerely sympathize and support them.”

Little-Pengally wrote another sweet message on Twitter, writing: “Our time here on earth is over. I am deeply saddened by it. No more pain or illness for you now. .

“No more sorrow or hurt. The best soul that life has given me the privilege of knowing. Our steps and conversations, were passionate and joyful.

“I hope we’ll see each other again. Goodbye my friend.”

ITV has been contacted for comment.

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