Devastated father of 14-year-old girl killed in blast pays tribute to his 'little gem'

Hugh Harper described 14-year-old Leona as a "very special" girl and told of the family's grief after she became one of the 10 victims killed by the petrol station explosion

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Creeslough: Death toll in Irish petrol station blast rises to 10

The father of a teenage girl killed in the Co Donegal blast has paid a heartbreaking tribute to his baby girl.

Hugh Harper has described his 14-year-old daughter, Leona, as a "little gem" who will be sorely missed.

The talented rugby player was one of 10 victims killed by the explosion at the Applegreen petrol station in the village of Creeslough, Ireland.

She was picking out an ice cream from the fridge before a slumber party with friends when chaos erupted on Friday afternoon.

Leona Harper tragically lost her life in a petrol station explosion in Creeslough, Ireland (

Picture:

Facebook)

Describing her devastating loss, Hugh told radio station Co Donegal Highland Radio: "She was very special, very, very special. She will be sorely missed.

"Leona was a little gem, very sociable, very friendly, a lovely person.

"Very quiet, laid back, loved life, loved the outdoors, walking in the fields, going fishing, hanging out with friends, going to car shows."