A fundraiser set up to repatriate the body of an Irish woman who died in a suspected murder-suicide in New York City has raised more than £31,000 (€35,538) in two days.
Denise Morgan (39), from Tullyallen in Co Louth, was found unresponsive at a home in the Glendale area of Queens early on Saturday morning. She had lived in New York for several years.
A statement from the New York Police Department said 911 dispatchers were alerted to a disturbance at the scene and when officers arrived they found a man and a woman unresponsive with gunshot wounds.
The man and woman were both pronounced dead at the scene, and a recently discharged firearm was recovered in the vicinity of the deceased male.
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On Monday, a GoFundMe account was set up to help cover the costs of repatriating Ms Morgan’s body to Ireland. As of 11am on Wednesday, it had raised £31,201.
“As we come to terms with this devastating loss, we are now faced with the urgent need to bring her home to Drogheda, Tullyallen,” the page said.
“We are raising much needed funds to cover the expensive costs of bringing Denise safely back home to Ireland. This is where we, as a community, have the power to make a difference.”
The fundraiser described Ms Morgan as a “loving mother, caring sister, and beautiful daughter” whose love for life was “contagious”.
“The news of her murder sent shock waves through our hearts, leaving a void that will never be filled. The circumstances surrounding her murder only serve to deepen the tragedy, reminding us of the fragility of life and the need to come together in times of darkness.”
Ms Morgan is survived by her nine-year-old daughter. Tributes have been paid to her on social media.
Her sister Shannon wrote: “No words can express the pain we are dealing with. In the blink of an eyelid, our world is broken and we are absolutely crushed. My brilliant sister has been taken from my life by such a heinous cowardly act. We will never get justice for this. We are absolutely heartbroken. She was the kindest, sweetest soul I know.”
A representative for Ms Morgan’s most recent employers, The Cottage Bar, a restaurant in Forest Hills posted: “The sudden loss of Denise Morgan has left us all in shock and sorrow. Her warmth, kindness, and vibrant spirit will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. We will always appreciate the person she was.”
