GONE TOO SOON
Who was Mya-Lecia Naylor and what shows did the teenage CBBC actress star in?
CBBC star Mya-Lecia Naylor sadly passed away in April at the young age of 16.
We take a look at her memorable acting career and the tributes celebs have paid to her and her family.
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Who was Mya-Lecia Naylor?
Mya-Lecia was a child actress who starred in various CBBC shows.
Her management confirmed she had passed away on Sunday, April 7, 2019, at the age of 16.
Alice Webb, the director of BBC Children’s, said the news of Mya-Lecia’s death had left her team “distraught and so terribly sad”.
She was born on November 6, 2002, and later began a career as a model, actress and singer.
Her first TV appearance was in Absolutely Fabulous in 2004 and she had roles in Cloud Atlas and Code Red.
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What was her cause of death?
Mya-Lecia hanged herself in a marquee at her family home in London after suffering from "exam stress", an inquest heard today.
An inquest into her death today ruled she died by misadventure after hanging herself at her family home in South Norwood.
The hearing was told Mya-Lecia's parents had received a phone call from her school saying her grades were lower than expected ahead of sitting her GCSEs that summer.
On April 6, the teen, who was grounded and banned from attending a party, had spent the night with her parents watching a film with her family that included a scene of suicide.
She was discovered the next day in cardiac arrest and died an hour-and-a-half later in hospital.
Her father, Martin Naylor, told South London Coroners Court: "She had not been her normal self ... she was stressed about her exams.
"She knew she needed to get on with her revision and she had plans scheduled out for her revision."
The inquest was told he had seen Mya-Lecia on the morning she died - and believes her death was a "silly mistake".
He said: "I honestly believe she was just making some sort of point.
"I genuinely believe she did not mean to do it.
"It was a silly spur of the moment thing.
"She clearly had plans for the future."
A toxicology report revealed no evidence of drugs or alcohol in her system and there was nothing suspicious on her laptop, phone or social media accounts.
Assistant Coroner, Toby Watkin concluded that the teenager "did not intend to end her own life" and concluded her death was by misadventure.
What shows did the teenage CBBC actress star in?
She was best known for her role as Fran in CBBC's Millie Inbetween.
Mya-Lecia starred alongside Emily Atack, Fleur East, Kimberley Wyatt and Tess Daly on CBBC show Almost Never.
The show follows boyband The Wonderland and rival girl group Girls Here First competing on a fictional TV talent competition The Spotlight - hosted by Tess.
In this kids' show Emily plays one of the boy’s mums, while Fleur makes a cameo as herself.
Mya-Lecia's first television role was in 2004 in Absolutely Fabulous as Jane.
She went on to take the lead role of Tati in Tati's Hotel, as well as appearing in Cloud Atlas, Code Red and Index Zero.
The Witcher, an action, adventure TV series due out later in 2019, sees her star alongside Henry Cavill and MyAnna Buring.
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Who has paid tribute to the late teen?
The BBC said: "We are so sorry to have to tell you that Mya-Lecia, who you will know from 'Millie Inbetween' and 'Almost Never' has, very sadly, died.
"Mya-Lecia was a much loved part of the BBC Children’s family, and a hugely talented actress, singer and dancer.
"We will miss her enormously and we are sure that you will want to join us in sending all our love to her family and friends.
"We know this news is very upsetting, and it may help to share how you are feeling with friends or a trusted adult."
Emily Atack paid tribute to Mya-Lecia on her Instagram page.
She wrote: "So shocked and sad to hear about lovely Mya-Lecia Naylor.
"She was a beautiful and talented girl. A complete joy to be around on the set of Almost Never.
"Sending all my love to her family & friends. Rest in peace beautiful girl."
Following news of her death, Game Of Thrones star Nathalie Emmanuel, who plays Missandei, said she was "very sad to hear the tragic news", adding they were both managed by the same company.
She said: "Although I did not know her personally, I wanted to send my condolences to her family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time."
Paul Rose, a scriptwriter on Almost Never, described Mya-Lecia's death as a "huge loss".
He said: "Found out the heartbreaking news last week that Mya-Lecia Naylor has died.
"I'd been writing scripts for S2 of Almost Never since last year, all featuring Mya's character.
"Far too young, and a huge loss for all on the show. My heart goes out to her family."
MORE ON THOSE WE'VE LOST
Alice Webb, director of BBC Children's which includes CBBC, said news of Naylor's death had left her team "distraught and so terribly sad".
She said: "She has shone so brightly on our screens, both in Millie Inbetween and Almost Never, and it's unthinkable that she won't be part of our journey going forward."
No cause of death has been revealed.
In a statement, the BBC added: We know this news is very upsetting, and it may help to share how you are feeling with friends or a trusted adult.
"If you are struggling and there is no one you feel you can talk to about it, you can call on 0800 11 11"
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems the Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123, or visit ’s website.
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