A multi-agency search was launched after the teen went missing on Monday
A Co Tyrone school has said their “hearts are heavy” following the “tragic news of the untimely passing” of a former student aged 16. Aisha Petrikova had finished school at St Patrick’s College Dungannon in June 2025, “ready to go out into the world and shape the next chapter of her journey.”
The 16-year-old was last seen in the Dungannon area on Monday night, September 22. A multi-agency search was called but after extensive searches involving Community Rescue, the PSNI and Search and Rescue Dog Association, the specialist teams stood down after Aisha was located deceased.
Leading tributes to the teenager, St Patrick’s College said: “She was fiercely independent, with a unique sense of style and a girl of beautiful talent. Her Art Work took pride of place in our June Exhibition and she shared her love for guitar and music with her peers.
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“Aisha had a keen sense of justice, she looked out for others and just today a Year 9 student spoke of how Aisha checked on her when she was a new Year 8 student and before she had found a friendship group. Above all else Aisha loved her family, her daddy Lubos and siblings Jessica, Megan and Lubos and of course Toby her dog.
“She missed her dear mother Janette terribly (RIP). We extend our deepest sympathies to Aisha’s family and her friends. Aisha will be sorely missed. May Aisha’s gentle soul rest in eternal peace.”
The Community Rescue Search team, which had joined the operation to help find Aisha, offered its condolences to her family and friends following the tragic news.
A spokesperson for CRS Belfast District said: “The Community Rescue Service managment team and all our volunteers offer our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family, friends, work colleagues and school friends at this most sad and difficult time.
“We would also want to thank the police who worked tirelessly alongside ourselves and SARDA to bring this unfortunate situation to a conclusion and also the local community who were outstanding in their support throughout this emergency incident.”
Search & Rescue Dog Association said they were called to help find Aisha on Tuesday morning. They have offered their “deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences.”
A spokesperson for SARDA said: “At 09:53 on September 23 our dog teams were tasked to the Dungannon area, by the Police Service of Northern Ireland Search Advisor, to assist in the search for a high-risk missing person, who had last been seen on Monday evening.
“Tragically, the search came to a very sad conclusion when the body of a person, believed to be that of the missing individual, was found. Our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences go to the family, friends, neighbours and the wider community at this unimaginable time of loss.
“We were working alongside our NISAR partners from Community Rescue Service (CRS) and the Police Service of Northern Ireland and our thoughts are also with them. We know how deeply a loss of this nature affects all who respond and give of themselves in the hope of a positive outcome.”
A funeral for Aisha, of Braeside in Dungannon, will take place on Friday, September 26 at St Patrick’s Church at 10am. A private cremation will take place afterwards in Lakeland’s Crematorium, Co. Cavan.
A funeral notice added: “Beloved daughter of Lubos and the late Janette R.I.P. and loving sister of Jessica, Megan and Lubos Jnr.
“On her soul sweet Jesus have mercy. Deeply regretted by her loving father, sisters, brother, Lubos’ partner Paula and her children Bethany, Chloe and Emilie and entire family circle and friends.”
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