Family, friends and the widespread Inishowen community have been stunned by the murder of a young Buncrana woman in India.

Danielle Mc Laughlin

Danielle Mc Laughlin, aged 28, was found dead in Canacona near Goa on Tuesday. Immense shock has spread throughout Donegal after the circumstances of her death became known.

The young adventurer has been described by close friends as a ‘beautiful and kind hearted’ lady who loved life and was a devoted friend, sister and daughter.

Danielle had been on a backpacking holiday in India since the end of February. She was said to have been celebrating the Holi festival when her life was cut short after a horrific crime.

Danielle is being remembered as a bright star and a happy young woman. She grew up in Buncrana and attended the local Scoil Mhuire secondary school.

In the wake of the tragedy, her family have received a huge outpouring of support and kindness from the local community.

A fund to assist in the repatriation and funeral expenses for Danielle was set up today, and reached its target of €10,000 within two hours. Money raised will go towards the costs of having a family member with her when she returns to Donegal. Click here to visit the GoFundMe page.

In a brief statement released this evening, the McLaughlin family said: “The family would like to express our thanks to all who have got in touch since receiving this awful news, as you can expect we are finding it very difficult at this trying time, also thanks to the Irish and British consulate who along with Colin from the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust and many friends who have assisted at this time.

“Danielle will be sadly missed by all in our household.”

Danielle Mc Laughlin

Christy Duffy, a friend of the family who set up the repatriation fund, said: “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.”