A GRIEVING family have been “completely overwhelmed” with the outpouring of love they have received after a 17-year-old hairdresser unexpectedly died in her sleep.

Maddy Campbell’s family have been left heartbroken after the teenager’s sudden death when she did not wake up on the morning of September 14.

A postmortem examination came back as inconclusive and more tests will be carried out.

Her father Chris Campbell said: “There was no sickness, no accident. As well as losing Madison, who leaves a massive void in our lives, there’s nowhere to put your emotions.”

Maddy was born and raised in Colchester and went to primary school in Copford.

She then attended Honywood School in Coggeshall where she was well-liked.

“She had an absolute talent, she had a passion for beauty,” Chris added.

Read more:

While still at school Maddy worked on Saturdays at Cutters in Halstead where her talent was recognised by owner Abi Cutter.

“From talking to Abi, she had such a talent and they allowed her to be creative. 

“At 16 and 17-years-old, she had her own client base of ladies who would only go to Maddy.”

She started her career with an apprenticeship at Lipstick and Locks in Sudbury and quickly became a much-loved member of the team.

Chris said: “She loved being there at work, that was like her second family.

“The girls there adored her and she adored them, she had some amazing friendships there as well. They’re all heartbroken.”

The salon has put together a window display in Maddy’s honour.

Of the outpouring of love they have received, Chris said: “I’ve lost track of the amount of flowers and condolences sent here, and I think they’ve had the same at the salon from customers and friends.

“That’s in Sudbury, we don’t even know these people but she touched them and they all seemed to love her which is comforting knowing she was thought of so well by so many.”

The family are planning a celebration of Maddy’s life next month. Chris said: “Everyone has to wear pink and be glamorous, that’s what she would’ve wanted.”