A teenage girl who died at a Scots dance festival was a passionate volunteer, working tirelessly with a homelessness charity during lockdown.
Maya Nager, 19, selflessly devoted her time to help those in need, delivering meals to people in temporary accommodation during the pandemic. She tragically died at the Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh hospital on Monday morning after collapsing at Terminal V's Halloween event on Saturday night.
Since her sudden death, an online fundraiser has been created in her memory. All proceeds will go towards Homeless Project Scotland and Refuweegee, two charities close to Maya's heart.
A statement from the fundraiser reads: "During lockdown, Maya volunteered at a project locally that did food parcels for homeless people who had been put into hotels during covid - she loved the work and her colleagues so we have chosen to support Homeless Project Scotland. It's a different organisation from the one she volunteered with, but would still be close to her heart.
"And Maya absolutely loved animals and was always on at us about getting a dog, and some ducks..... and so we have chosen SSPCA as the other charity."
The teenager, from Glasgow, is understood to have been studying at university in Aberdeen. Organisers of the fundraiser told how the teenager was passionate about justice, home affairs and 'welcoming refugees'.
An updated statement on the page added: "We are so overcome with the generosity of those who loved Maya we have added another charities - Refuweegee, a community-led charity that helps people welcome and embrace our newest Glaswegians. Maya was passionate about justice and especially about welcoming refugees."
Maya's heartbroken friends have led tributes following her untimely passing, telling how she will be sorely missed.
Writing on Instagram, Abby Sinclair said: "My heart breaks to know that I won’t hear your laugh again. That I won’t look out my window and see you waiting for me to go for a walk or to be our usual daft selves.
"I’m so lucky to have all these great memories with you, wish we could have made more together. You will always be in my thoughts.
"Sending all my love to your family. I just can’t believe you’re gone, I’m so lucky to call you one of my friends. Love you always and forever."
Another friend commented: "She was so amazing... life won't be the same without her."
While one added: "There was nobody quite like her."
Colin McInness, chairman of Homeless Project Scotland, said: "We at Homeless Project Scotland would like to send our thanks to everyone involved, well done to you having done Maya Nager proud."
A spokesperson for Refuweegee added: "We are so sad to hear of the tragic death of Maya. In these situations, we are incredibly touched that fundraising for Refuweegee could potentially bring some peace to those grieving.
"We're hugely grateful for the support and we wish Maya's friends and family all the best during this very difficult time."
Officers from Police Scotland have confirmed they are investigating the teenager's death.
A spokesperson said: "We were made aware of a 19-year-old woman taking unwell at an event in the Ingliston area of Edinburgh, around 6pm on Saturday, October 29, 2022. She was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment but sadly died on Monday, October 31.
"Inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the incident.”
A spokesperson for Terminal V said: ''We are absolutely devastated at this news and our deepest sympathies are with the family. We continue to assist the police with their enquiries.''
Donate to the online fundraiser by clicking here.
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