A frantic hours-long search for a 24-year-old British teacher in Qatar appeared to come to an end last night after her boyfriend posted on Facebook that she had died.

But it remains unclear what happened to Lauren Patterson, who teaches at a primary school in Doha.

According to family friends, the expat went missing shortly after returning to Qatar on Friday from the UK, where she attended her grandmother’s funeral.

Friends said she was last seen outside of La Cigale hotel late Friday evening/early Saturday morning, around 1:20am.

On Sunday, a Facebook post from Patterson’s boyfriend, James Grima of Malta, saying she was missing went viral. But hours later, Grima posted that Patterson had passed away:

“I can’t believe that it had to end this way Lauren, I really don’t. I was so happy that I had finally found someone that could change my life so much, and in such a positive way too…Rest In Peace babe…I will always look up at the sky cause you always were the brightest star and always will be.”

Grima did not go into details of how Patterson died, and he and other family friends referred Doha News to the British embassy for comment.

It is understood that Patterson’s mother is coming to Doha to make a positive identification of her body. Until they have confirmation of her death, the embassy has declined to provide further details, stating in an email to Doha News this morning that:

“We are aware of a British National, Lauren Patterson reported missing in Qatar. We are providing the family with consular assistance.”

Does anyone know more? Thoughts?

Credit: Photo courtesy of Lauren Patterson’s Facebook page