Fanning: 'Murphy had a warm spirit'

Dakota Fanning has paid her respects to her former co-star Brittany Murphy, who died on Sunday aged 32.

Fanning, who appeared in Uptown Girls with the late actress, said that she got on very well with her during filming despite their age gap.

Fanning told E! Online: "We became great friends despite the fact we were many years apart in age. Brittany had such a warm child-like spirit that drew people to her. With her goes a piece of my heart and I will miss her terribly.

"I know how strong Brittany's love was for her family and my heart goes out to all of them, especially her mother Sharon. I love you, Brittany."

Murphy's Clueless co-star Stacey Dash said: "I am deeply saddened by Brittany's death. She was a bright shining light and I am sorry that we will not get to watch her grow."

A coroner said yesterday that he believed Murphy died from "natural causes".