A popular cafe owner’s tragic death has sent shock waves through Chippenham.
Nicola Doyle was found deceased at her home in Audley Road on Thursday (25 May) – sparking a significant police and ambulance presence there.
The 52-year-old was a well-loved local businesswoman who served hundreds of loyal customers at Jolly’s Irish Cafe, in Market Place, for more than 20 years.
Nicola received an unexpected gas bill of £15,000 last year, and despite the community raising thousands of pounds to pay towards it, the cafe closed permanently in April.
Nicola had been struggling to cope with the loss of her business and the negative comments she had received on social media in recent months, a source close to her told Wiltshire 999s.
In a public post on Facebook, Nicola’s son Youcef Adjerid said: “It comes with great sadness that I declare my Mum, Nicola Doyle, has passed away aged 52.
“For anyone that has brought their custom to Jolly’s Irish Cafe in the past 20 years, I know that she was eternally grateful, and I thank every single person who has either worked or eaten there during that time.
“I’d like to request that our family’s privacy is respected during this difficult period. RIP Mum – I will always love you.”
Tributes to Nicola have flown in on social media following the news of her death.