Family pays tribute to student who died after St Paul’s Cathedral balcony fall

Lidia Dragescu dropped 100ft (30m) from the Whispering Gallery to the floor of the building in central London.

The 23-year-old, from Romford, east London, was pronounced dead at the scene on 11th October.

Her family described her as “beautiful, kind and selfless” in a tribute statement.

They said: “Our daughter and sister was the most beautiful person in the world. Her heart was pure and kind, a soul from another world.

“She was an outstanding student and a talented figure skater. Beautiful, intelligent and kind.

“Her love for us was beyond measure, she was selfless and kind. Everything that she had she shared with us, always putting us first. We love her and will always love her.

“For Lidia, the world has been a bad place to live in.”

Her death is not being treated as suspicious, and officers will compile a report for the coroner, City of London Police said.

St Paul’s Cathedral said the community was in shock and added in a statement: “We think and pray especially at this time for the woman who died, and for all those who were close to her and who loved and cared for her.”