THE body of murdered Buncrana woman Danielle McLaughlin is expected to begin the journey home from India later this week.
A GoFundMe webpage set up to help pay for the repatriation and funeral arrangements has raised nearly €38,000 in the space of just three days.
The 28-year-old had travelled to India earlier this month and was taking part in the annual Holi festival celebrations.
She was found dead in Goa on Tuesday and police say that a man, whose name has been reported in Indian newspapers as Vikat Bhagat, has confessed to her rape and murder.
He was captured on CCTV walking with Danielle the day before her death and appeared in court on rape and murder charges last Wednesday.
Ms McLaughlin's body was discovered in a field less than 2km from the popular beach of Palolem in south Goa.
The fundraising page was set up by Buncrana man Christy Duffy, who said that everyone who knew Danielle was "completely devastated" by her death.
"There is nothing I need to say about Danielle as anyone who knew her, knew that she was a beautiful and kind hearted, funny young lady who loved life and was a loyal and devoted friend, sister and daughter," he wrote.
"They say the brightest stars burn the quickest and no other analogy could describe Danielle's life better, on behalf of her family thanks in advance for the donations and keep on smiling as Danielle would have wanted."
The Irish and British embassies, alongside the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, have been liaising to make arrangements for Danielle’s body to be returned home.
Speaking to The Irish News, Colin Bell of the trust said paperwork for the repatriation is expected to be completed today, with the journey beginning on Wednesday or Thursday and expected to take several days.