Actor Jim Carrey says learning of ex-girlfriend's death was like being 'hit by lightning bolt'

Hollywood actor Jim Carrey has spoken of his shock after the sudden death of his ex-girlfriend Cathriona White.

Ms White, 30, who was born in Ireland, was found dead in her home on Monday.

Police say her death is being treated as a suspected suicide.

Carrey, the star of Dumb and Dumber and Ace Ventura, said he was "shocked and deeply saddened".

Her death, he said, was like being "hit with a lightning bolt."

Carrey described White as a "kind and delicate Irish flower, too sensitive for this soil" in an emotional statement.

Carrey, 53, dated make-up artist Ms White briefly in 2012 and the pair were photographed together earlier this year.

The last two photos posted on Carrey's Twitter account were credited to Ms White.

She last posted on the social networking website on Thursday, saying: "Signing off Twitter, I hope I have been a light to my nearest and dearest."

A post-mortem examination is scheduled for Wednesday.

• If you are in distress or need some support, the Samaritans are available 24 hours a day on 08457 90 90 90 or visit their website

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