A MUM was found dead at home after worried pals raised the alarm when she failed to log onto their game.
Lauren Black, 36, sent a final heartbreaking text to a pal wishing him a happy new year before the tragedy.
Her body was discovered at home in Scotland by her dog walker on January 3.
Lauren's death is now being treated as "unexplained" by police.
Online friend Eyal Elhadad told the Daily Record how he called police after suspecting something was not right.
She had sent him two messages, one saying it would be a "happy new year for both of us".
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Lauren, known VAL online, continued: "And whatever happens, we have each other".
Eyal then responded two days later asking if the mum-of-two was OK.
He then wrote: "Val please answer me".
Eyal, who lives in Israel, said: "Lauren and I have spoken every day for the last four years, so for her not to answer my messages or log onto the game was very worrying to me and other online family members.
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"It was very out of character for Lauren. We exchanged messages on New Year's Day and then there was no further communication.
"After not being able to get in contact for almost two days I had no choice but to call the police in Scotland and also her dog walker.
"I pleaded with them to check on her as we were all so worried. I just wanted to know she was okay."
Eyal's concerns were shared with gamers from all over the world after she failed to log onto Evony: The Kings Return for 48 hours.
Lauren's mum has now paid tribute to her daughter, who had twin sons.
Iris Black, who lives in Northern Ireland, said: "I am beyond devastated by what has happened.
"Our family are just so glad we were able to spend Christmas with Lauren.
"Her health has been in decline for a while now and we think it might be as a result of long covid.
"The full details of what happened have yet to be made clear to us."
Police confirmed they were called to the home on January 3 at around 10.10am.
Enquiries into Lauren's death are still ongoing, a spokesperson confirmed.
Eyal has now confirmed Lauren's online pals are hoping to travel to Scotland for her funeral.
He added: "I was devastated when I found out she had died. I couldn't believe it. I still can't. At the moment there are hundreds of people around the world crying over her passing. The outpouring of love I have seen has been incredible.
"So many of us want to pay our respects. People are willing to travel hundreds of miles to say goodbye to Lauren. She was so loved and liked."
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