In the days following Cathriona White’s tragic death, her family and friends are speaking out about the makeup artist’s role as a “shining light” in their lives.
Jim Carrey’s ex Jenny McCarthy is the latest of the growing list of those offering their condolences. In a recent chat with E! News, McCarthy, 42, remained largely mum on the topic, offering “just prayers. Just prayers” to those mourning White.
McCarthy and Carrey, 53, dated for five years before parting ways in 2010.
White died of a suspected suicide on Monday, Sept. 28, leaving behind a note that mentioned her relationship with Carrey, whom she dated off-and-on since 2012. An autopsy has yet to be conducted, and toxicology tests could take up to 10 weeks to determine the official cause of death.
Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter told Us Weekly that there were pills next to White’s body at the time of her death, though he refused to release information on the type of pills found.
Sam Brittan, a producer on Bunker 731, a film that White worked on, called his friend’s death “troubling.”
“All the memories I have of her are happy and joyful,” he told Access Hollywood of the shocking death. “What a sweet, happy, fun girl she was. There was a light that emanated from her. I can’t believe it happened.”
Brittan added that the Irish-bred makeup artist wasn’t known to be a heavy drinker or partier, which makes the situation more confusing.
“I had no knowledge of any sort of drug addiction or problems or anything like that,” he added. “I don’t remember her being anything but professional. After wrap, if there were drinks, she wasn’t one of the partiers, let’s put it that way.”
On Tuesday, Sept. 29, Carrey issued a statement to Us Weekly expressing his condolences to her loved ones.
“I am shocked and deeply saddened by the passing of my sweet Cathriona,” he said. “She was a truly kind and delicate Irish flower, too sensitive for this soil, to whom loving and being loved was all that sparkled. My heart goes out to her family and friends and to everyone who loved and cared about her. We have all been hit with a lightening bolt.”
If you or someone you know is struggling, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
