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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
Anna McAree, Derry reporter & Clare McCarthy

Tributes paid to Derry man killed in Australia crash as thousands raised to bring him home

Tributes have poured in for an man from Derry who was killed in a crash in Australia over the weekend.

It is understood that the tragic crash occurred on Sunday and killed the Bellaghy native and his Singaporean girlfriend.

Now, thousands of pounds has been fundraised to bring his body home to be buried.

READ MORE: Man arrested over death of Kerry mum released without charge

Christopher Quinn had been travelling the word for the last 14 years and turned 37 just two weeks ago, Belfast Live reports.

In a statement, Christopher's family said: "Christopher just turned 37 two weeks ago and had left Ireland for Australia 14 years like most young ones these days, for a life of sunshine and adventure.

"Although it was hard to keep a track of him at times as he was forever travelling; New Zealand where he also lived for a few years, USA, Thailand and Japan.

"Chris was mad about scuba diving, trekking, snowboarding. He also loved going off grid and chilling by himself plenty but whatever he was doing or whenever he went, he made friends all over the world and everyone would have a story about him. He was just a character, a free spirit and would give the shirt of his back for anyone.

"Chris leaves behind our mum Rosie, his sister Lisa and his four brothers Jodie, Shea, Cahir and Declan as well as a large Quinn and Doherty family circle who are all devastated by the loss.

"We are also devastated for Kaia's family and as she died in the accident too.

"It will be at least another week or two before any arrangements for Chris to be repatriated to Ireland and the family and McCusker's Funeral Directors Magherafelt will update in due course.

"We would also like to thank The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust who have been very helpful and supportive since the news broke and will be helping us get Christopher home safely."

A GoFundMe has been set up in aid of The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, who are helping Christopher's family bring him home.

The £5,000 target has already been smashed with people rallying round to help Christopher's bereaved relatives and raising over 16,000. Donations can be made here.

Organisers of the GoFundMe page said: "We are overwhelmed with the response from the local and overseas communities who are supporting the fundraising. Jodie has said it best why this is so important to the family to raise the funds."

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