“YOU WERE MORE LIKE A SISTER THAN A FRIEND” — HEARTBREAKING TRIBUTES POUR IN FOR ALISHA SAMUELS, 26

Friends are struggling to come to terms with the loss of a young woman remembered for her kindness, infectious laughter and the special place she held in their lives. Meanwhile, police are continuing their investigation into her death after a man arrested on suspicion of murder was released on bail.

The death of 26-year-old Alisha Samuels has left friends and members of her community devastated, with emotional tributes describing her as a beautiful soul who brought warmth and happiness to those around her.

Alisha was found with fatal injuries on Dorking Avenue, in a suburb of Manchester, in the early hours of Thursday, October 15, 2026.

Police were called at around 2 a.m. after residents reported hearing screaming and shouting in the street. Officers subsequently launched an investigation into her death.

As the investigation continues, those who knew Alisha are sharing memories of the woman they loved — and trying to make sense of a loss that has come far too soon.

“You were more of a sister than a friend”

One of Alisha’s close friends, Aimee Quinn, shared a deeply emotional tribute on Facebook, reflecting on the everyday moments they would no longer be able to share.

She spoke about their daily conversations, Alisha’s sense of humour and the holidays and travel plans they had hoped to enjoy together.

Describing Alisha as a good listener who was beautiful inside and out, Aimee expressed how difficult it was to imagine life without her closest friend.

Her words captured the pain of losing someone who had become part of everyday life — a person who was there for the difficult moments, the laughter and the dreams of the future.

Another friend remembered Alisha as one of the kindest and funniest people she had ever met, saying she would always be grateful that their paths had crossed.

 A smile that lit up every room

The tributes have extended beyond Alisha’s closest circle of friends.

A local woman named Donna, whose daughter had attended the same school as Alisha, spoke about the happy memories they shared when the girls spent time together.

She remembered Alisha as beautiful and clever, with a smile capable of lighting up a room.

For people who had watched her grow up, the news has been particularly difficult to process. Their memories offer a glimpse of a young woman whose presence had made a lasting impression on those around her.

Friend Carris Mallon also shared a heartfelt message, expressing the depth of her affection and the pain of losing someone she considered precious.

Flowers have been laid near the scene as the community comes to terms with the tragedy.

 Police investigation remains active

A 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder following the incident. He was subsequently released on police bail pending further enquiries.

His release does not mean the investigation has ended, and no conclusion about responsibility should be drawn from that decision.

Detective Chief Inspector Justin Bryant, the senior investigating officer, confirmed that police enquiries remained active and that investigators were continuing to pursue other individuals believed to have been involved.

Police have urged members of the public not to speculate about the circumstances surrounding Alisha’s death, warning that misinformation could cause further distress to her grieving family and hinder the investigation.

Anyone with information that could assist detectives is being asked to come forward.

A family asking for privacy

As friends continue to share photographs and memories, Alisha’s family has requested privacy while dealing with what police described as the devastating loss of their loved one.

Behind every tribute is a person who is now missing from someone’s everyday life — a friend who will no longer answer a message, share a joke or make plans for the future.

For those closest to Alisha, the memories they carry are now an important reminder of the life she lived and the connections she built.

Alisha was 26. She was loved by her friends and remembered for the laughter and kindness she brought into their lives. As the investigation continues, those who knew her are left mourning a loss they are still struggling to understand.

May Alisha rest in peace, and may her loved ones find strength and support in the days ahead.