STACEY Harris was definitely Daddy's Girl. Gutsy and great fun, she even followed football with as much gusto as the boys.
But David Harris won't see his beloved daughter blossom into the "beautiful young woman" he knew she was going to be.
Stacey, aged 13, was found unconscious in her bedroom at the family home in Wessington Drive, Victoria Park, late last Friday night after her mum Wendy went up to check on her.
Paramedics worked on her at the house and in the ambulance that rushed her to Hereford County Hospital, where an A&E team tried to revive her, but all their efforts were in vain.
Half an hour from the 999 call, Stacey was dead.
Police are investigating the how and why of her death on behalf of the Herefordshire coroner.
Specially trained officers will be talking to her friends and fellow pupils at Aylestone High School, Hereford.
Initial findings were expected at an inquest which was due to open today (Thursday).
A post-mortem examination was under way at the time of going to press.
Tributes to Stacey this week described her as a gorgeous daughter, a doting granddaughter, treasured sister and a good friend.
This was a girl who worked a paper round to pay for her pet hamster's treats.
She also loved football, playing in local leagues with FC Phoenix.
Saturday would have seen her at the Lad's Club to collect a medal for finishing the season as a cup finalist.
The award ceremony has now been cancelled.
Dad and daughter were regulars at Edgar Street when Hereford United were at home.
She even followed him in supporting Leeds United - with a passion.
"If Stacey could be strong-willed and never afraid to stand up for herself, she was always great fun with it," said Mr Harris.
Aylestone High head Steve Byatt was another to stress Stacey's sense of humour.
News of her death was broken at a special assembly on Monday morning. and Mr Byatt said students and staff were devastated.
"Our thoughts are with Stacey's family. I cannot imagine the pain they must be experiencing," he added.
Wendy Harris offered some insight, speaking of "going over and over the if onlys and whys" since last Friday.
"Five to 11 - the time we found Stacey - will always haunt us, but I guess time will also help heal the pain and bring back the good memories and the fun times we spent together," she added.
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