17-years-old footballer Reeya Lepcha passed away on Saturday. Lepcha belonged from Sangkhu Radukhandu GPU, Maneybong-Dentam constituency in West Sikkim.

She represented Sikkim in the national level football tournament. She was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Hundreds of people bid a tearful farewell as the young footballer was cremated on Sunday. Her last rites were performed at her native place of Radhu in Dentam, West Sikkim. Her family, friends, batch-mates and well-wishers came forward to offer their prayers for Reeya.

“It is heart-breaking to see my dear daughter leave us so sudden.  Her absence will haunt us for life,” said Reeyas’ father Manjum Lepcha. Reeya was a cheerful person and that she loved football, recalled her father.

“Being a football enthusiast I supported the interest of my daughter to be a footballer and that is when her journey in this field started. I am grateful to her for making us proud through her talent. Her achievements are now our fond memories,” added Manjum.

Reeya’s health improved after a surgery in Delhi following which she had resumed light practice back in Dentam.

“She was a fighter. Despite going through such strong medication and a surgery, Reeya always had a dream to make a comeback and resume her role as a footballer,” shared Manjum.

Manjum thanked everyone for keeping Reeya in their thoughts and prayers.

Reeya Lepcha was born on January 3, 2004 to Manjum Lepcha and Sanchamit Lepcha at Radhu village. She has a younger sister and a younger brother.