A postgraduate student at Goldsmiths, University of London, has died from injuries sustained during a "freak" accident while celebrating winning a medal at the World University Championships.

Irish-born Ailish Sheehan, 23, won bronze in the women's four in Poznan, Poland, last Sunday, hours before she suffered a fall.

It is believed the rower fractured her skull and broke an arm.

Ms Sheehan, a postgraduate student at Goldsmiths, University of London, then spent five days in hospital in a coma.

Lee Boucher, the team British team manager in Poznan, said: "It is with great sadness that I have to report that our teammate Ailish has passed away in hospital in Poznan surrounded by her family.

"Our thoughts at this time are with all of her family and friends".

A University of London Boat Club, for which Ms Sheehan raced, said she had been involved in a "serious accident" of which the circumstances "remain unclear".

Club chief coach Phil Gray said: "The whole club is devastated by this news.

"Not only was Ailish a top oarswoman with a significant future in the international side of the sport but she also lit up the club with her humour and laughter".

Irish President Michael Higgins also paid tribute to the popular rower who was born in Limerick.

He said: "A talented rower and student of design, her loss will be felt acutely by her team mates and colleagues.

"This is a cruel blow for all those who were so were impressed by her rowing success".