TRIBUTES have poured in for a “beloved” musical theatre graduate who tragically died shortly after completing her studies.
Isabella Clark, 21, is understood to have graduated from Wilkes Academy in Swindon, Wiltshire, on July 7, before sadly passing away.
Graduate Isabella Clark began her studies at Wilkes Academy in 2022 before graduating this year[/caption]
It is not known when she died, but Wilkes Academy paid a tribute to their former student yesterday, remembering her as a “beautiful dancer” who “brought light to every class, rehearsal and corridor she walked through”.
The school, which offers professional singing, acting and dancing training to students from across the UK, said: “It’s with the heaviest of hearts that we share the passing of our beloved graduate, Isabella Clark.
“We are absolutely devastated to say goodbye to the beautiful Isabella, who brought light to every class, rehearsal, and corridor she walked through – always making sure to say hello to everyone with a smile and a kind word.
“She has left an enormous mark on her friends here at Wilkes, and on our entire faculty.
“Isabella was the most polite, gentle, and kind soul, her beaming smile will be missed so very deeply.”
Isabella had featured in two productions at Wilkes Academy since last year: The Addams Family and Bad Girls, according to casting website Spotlight.
She had begun her BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre at the school in 2022, having previously undertaken a Level 5 Diploma in Contemporary Dance between 2020 and 2022 at the Liverpool Theatre School.
Wilkes Academy’s tribute continued: “Our teachers will always cherish the way she worked tirelessly, dedicating herself to doing what she loved.
“She was always the first to arrive, and the first to stand up to volunteer.
“Without fail, she would say ‘thank you’ at the end of every class, a small gesture that spoke volumes about her.”
Staff said they were “heartbroken and endlessly grateful for the time we had with her”, adding that “she will remain forever in our hearts.”
Closing, they said: “Sending all of our love to Isabella’s family, and all of her friends.
“Nikki, Suzanne, Jonny, and the rest of her Wilkes Family.”
Others have also paid tribute to the “beautiful kind soul” who was “bursting with passion for her subject”.
The most incredible friend to my daughter and as a family we had the privilege of getting to know exactly why she was so special and so loved. Isabella will be missed hugely, but never forgotten.
Facebook tribute to Isabella
Writing on social media, one tribute said: “Absolutely heartbroken.
“She was the most beautiful talented girl who was nothing but kind to everyone.
“Never without a huge smile and always laughing around.
“She will continue to inspire us all with her incredible work ethic, attitude and talent to performing arts but more importantly her gentle nature and heart of gold.
“She will be so missed.”
Another added: “Truly devastating news.
“Isabella was sunshine personified.
“Her kindness, compassion and beautiful smile will always live on.
“My love and thoughts are with everybody who was blessed to have crossed her path”.