IRISH WOMAN Elaine O'Donovan drowned while on holiday in Lanzarote just days before celebrating her birthday.
Ms O'Donovan would have turned 42 on May 18 but tragically died in the Canary Islands on May 16.
She was on holiday with her parents when she drowned in the sea.
Originally from Waterford City, Ms O'Donovan had moved to London in recent years where she worked as an environmental engineer.
In a statement to The Irish Post, Ms O'Donovan's family said: "Elaine was deeply loved by her family and many friends all over the world.
"She loved her work as an environmental engineer, which took her to the most dangerous parts of the world where she worked to improve the lives of those who so badly needed her help.
"Elaine touched the lives of everyone who knew her. She will be very sadly missed."
Ms O'Donovan died while on holiday in Lanzarote in the Canary Islands (Picture: iStock)Ms O'Donovan had worked with Butyl Products Ltd in business development, heading up their Aid infrastructure division.
She had also been a keynote speaker at several major aid and humanitarian summits in recent years.
Ms O'Donovan was an engineering graduate from Cork Institute of Technology with nearly 20 years experience in water and sanitation.
Her career profile for Butyl said "her knowledge and experience is invaluable and is frequently called upon when working in collaboration with other organisations around the world."
For her bucket list, she had written that she "would like to own a small cottage retreat where she could spend some time writing about all of the varied experiences she's had in her life so far."
The Department of Foreign Affairs in Ireland have said they are providing consular assistance.
