Hanna Yusuf’s family said they were “deeply saddened and heartbroken” by her death in a statement obtained by Express.co.uk.
They called the journalist a “vibrant professional who became a bridge between the media and the community”.
“Hanna’s passing was sudden and unexpected and has come asa shock to us all,” they said. “We kindly ask that our privacy is respected at this tragic time as we come to terms with our loss.
“We are grateful to everyone that has reached out to us with their kindness, love, compassion, and support.
“While we mourn her loss, we hope that Hanna’s legacy will serve as an inspiration and beacon to her fellow colleagues and to her community and her meaningful memory and the people she has touched for many years lives on,” they added.
The family said they would provide details of funeral plans in due course.
“Hanna, we love you and will forever miss you. You will be remembered in our hearts and minds,” they said.
BBC Director of News Fran Unsworth paid tribute to Yusef, saying: “Hanna Yusuf was a talented young journalist who was widely admired across the BBC and our utmost sympathies go to her family and many friends.
“Hanna will be much missed.”
The cause of death has not yet been reported.
Express.co.uk has contacted the BBC asking for comment.
Yusuf was the recipient of The Guardian’s Scott Trust bursary and received a masters degree in journalist in 2017.
She went on to contribute to publications including The Pool and The Independent before moving to the BBC.
Yusuf made a name for herself with investigative articles including one which examined poor working conditions at Costa Coffee.
Tributes have poured in from Yusuf’s BBC colleagues, with Chief International Correspondent Lyse Doucet tweeting: “RIP Hanna Yusuf. You left too soon a world where you shone such a bright light.”
Gender and Identity Correspondent Megha Mohan also said: “We were waiting for Hanna’s family to release their statement first.
“We’re devastated to have lost such a lovely friend and talented BBC journalist so young.”
Editor of the BBC News at Six and News at Ten Paul Royall said: “All of us at the Six and Ten are devastated by Hanna’s death.
“Hanna’s smile, intelligence and heart made all our lives better. We won’t forget you Hanna.”
BBC News journalist Alex Taylor wrote: “This weekend I lost a good friend (and colleague), Hanna Yusuf.
“I am at a loss,” he continued.
Sharing a blog post which spoke poignantly about their friendship, calling Yusuf a “talented young journalist with oceans of potential”, he added: “Good night Hanna, I hope you rest in peace.”
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