Paris Hilton is mourning the death of a young woman who competed on her U.K. TV series Paris Hilton's British Best Friend.

Kat McKenzie, the runner-up in the 2009 reality contest, died suddenly on Friday. The cause of death is as yet unknown.

The hotel heiress told reporters she was "deeply saddened" by McKenzie's passing, insisting: "She will be missed."

Hilton promised McKenzie, an ex-pole dancer, they would always remain close friends on the TV program earlier this year.

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(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)