CLOSE friends of a 21-year-old woman who collapsed and died in Stevenston at the weekend have expressed their shock and sadness, describing her as the “most kindest, genuine girl” and “the brightest star”.

Jodi Gordon was rushed to Crosshouse Hospital after falling ill at a friend’s house in Misk Knowes on Saturday morning and died shortly after.

Following Jodi’s tragic death, which police have described as “unexplained”, her two best friends Jamie-Lee Cresswell and David McComb paid tribute to the former Auchenharvie Academy pupil.

Jamie-Lee, who had been close to Jodi since they were at playgroup together, said: “Have no words to describe how I feel right now, my best friend has been taken away from me. 

“Grew up together and will always have unforgettable memories, too many to even mention.”

Jamie-Lee said that the pair were “practically sisters” and described her late friend as “literally the most kindest, genuine girl on this planet”.

She added: “Couldn’t have asked for a better best friend. Always did anything for each other. Practically sisters.

“This just doesn’t feel real and really shouldn’t be. You are one in a million and will never be forgotten, love you always.”

Jodi’s other best friend David McComb posted on her Facebook page: “My dear friend Jodi, I can’t believe what I’m writing. Gone far too soon.

“ May you rest in piece my love. I shall always look up to the sky and know you will be the brightest star shining down on me.”

A spokeswoman for Police Scotland told the Herald: “At around 10.30am on Saturday, December 17, police received a report that a 21-year-old woman had collapsed in a house in Misk Knowes in Stevenston.  

“She was taken by ambulance to Crosshouse Hospital where she died a short time later. 

“Her death is being treated as unexplained and a post mortem will be taken into the cause of death and enquiries are continuing.”