TRIBUTES have been paid to a “kind-hearted” woman, after she was found dead in Wallingford yesterday (Tuesday, August 30). 

Katie Hurmuz-Irimia, who was in her 40s, was sadly pronounced dead in Blue Mountains, Wallingford by Thames Valley Police at 2am yesterday (August 30).

Tributes have flooded in for Mrs Hurmuz-Irimia, previously known as Katie Chalk, online.

Nessy Jayne said: “Such a kind-hearted and beautiful person, rest in peace Katie.”

Mary Craddock said: “You earned your wings much too soon, R.I.P lovely lady.”

READ MORE: Wallingford 'murder victim' named locally by friends

Nina Hansell said: “You don’t think that this is going to happen to anyone you know. It’s a statistic that happens to other people. So shocked. RIP Katie.”

Zoe Crook said: “The little girl I looked after and always loved. I will forever miss you. Fly high my angel.”

Michelle Douey said: “A massive loss to all her friends and family, she will be truly missed, thoughts, love and prayers to her family. Keep smiling beautiful lady.”

Donna Dixon said: “Can’t believe this shocking news, so sad. I was only talking to Katie a few days ago, always happy and smiling my thoughts are with all the family.”

Sandra Ramsey said: “Can't believe this devastating news. R.I.P Katie. Our thoughts are with you and your family.”

It is believed Mrs Hurmuz-Irimia used to work at the Londis store in Sinodun Road. The Oxford Mail asked the store for a comment but they were unable to at this time.

READ MORE: Forensic officers in Wallingford where woman found dead

Meg Burtenshaw said: “RIP Katie. My heart is broken for you. Thank you for making my time at Londis the best job I’ve ever had. Wishing you all the peace.”

Zoe Anne said: “Such sad news, RIP Katie. I will always remember your smile while in Londis. Our thoughts are with your family.”

A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said they could not comment further on the victim’s identity until she has been formally identified.

Meanwhile, a 28-year-old man from Wallingford has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

Neighbours opposite the block of flats where the Mrs Hurmuz-Irimia was found said they are “completely devastated that something like this has happened”.

“It’s shocking this has happened in Wallingford,” they said. “It’s just so sad.”

Mayor Marcus Harris added that his thoughts are with the family and friends of Mrs Hurmuz-Irimia.

He said: “I can only echo [the neighbours] that this is a shocking situation and is something that thankfully very rarely happens in our community.

“My thoughts go out to this woman’s friends and her family. It is such a rare thing for us to have any violence – it’s so shocking and sad.”

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This story was written by Anna Colivicchi, she joined the team this year and covers health stories for the Oxfordshire papers. 

Get in touch with her by emailing: Anna.colivicchi@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @AnnaColivicchi