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A tenth islander is now confirmed to have died as a result of the recent major explosion on Pier Road.
This morning, Jersey Police said that 73-year-old Kathleen (Kathy) McGinness died in hospital on Christmas Day.
She lived in one of the Haut du Mont blocks next to the one which collapsed on the 10 December, and had been treated in hospital ever since the explosion, which Police say is "likely" to have been caused by a gas leak.
Speaking to Express this morning, Sandra Goldhawk, a friend of Ms McGinness, said they had met around 50 years ago.
"I cannot believe that she is gone. We would bump into each other every two or three weeks. She was the kindest, softest, gentlest [person], she always had a smile on her face,' she added. "Her kids were her life.'"
The Chief of Police, Robin Smith said this morning that he was, "...in the incredibly sad position of confirming another fatality linked to Haut du Mont.
"Her family are being supported by specially trained Police Family Liaison Officers and my thoughts, and the thoughts of all of us at States of Jersey Police, are with them.
"This incident has been incredibly challenging for everyone involved and I would like to praise the families for their stoicism in the face of such tragic circumstances. The Island is rightly behind them and on-hand to support, but first and foremost we are there together to give them their privacy and time to grieve."
Pictured: An inquest will open later this week into the deaths of the nine islanders originally confirmed to have died in the explosion.
Last week, Police confirmed that post-mortem examinations for the nine people who died in the actual explosion have now been completed.
An inquest is now due to be opened later this week.
Officers said in a statement this afternoon: "The nine Islanders that were named as missing residents have now been formally identified and officers across the SoJP and Government are assisting with the next steps so that families can begin to make funeral arrangements.
"Our thoughts continue to be with the families and friends affected by this tragedy. They continue to receive support from specially trained officers.
"It is anticipated that the Deputy Viscount will open the inquests next Friday, 30th December, and adjourn them whilst the police investigation continues.
"Detectives will continue their enquiries throughout the Festive period and a cordon of the site will remain in place into the New Year, with specialist scientific work expected to last several weeks."
The Islanders now confirmed to have died is Kathy McGinness (73), 72-year-old Peter Bowler, 71-year-old Raymond (Raymie) Brown, Romeu and Louise De Almeida (67 and 64 years), Derek and Sylvia Ellis (61 and 73 years), Ken (72) and Jane Ralph (71) and Billy Marsden (63).
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