Michaela’s body due back in Ireland today
Her widower John and her brother Mark were in Mauritius yesterday as her coffin was taken from the hospital morgue to the airport.
The coffin left Mauritius last night for London, accompanied by her husband and other family members. Relatives are hopeful her remains will then be flown on to Belfast today.
It is understood her funeral will take place close to her home in Tyrone early next week — in the same church where she was married only a few short weeks ago.
Irish Ambassador to South Africa Brendan McMahon, who is staying at the hotel where the murder occurred, also said locals were shocked by the violent crime.
“This is not a violent society. Staff at the hotel are stunned and are attending a memorial service for Michaela this afternoon,” he said.
Meanwhile, police in Mauritius are continuing their investigation.
Three hotel workers have appeared in court charged in connection with the murder of the 27-year-old.
Avinash Treebhoowoon, 29, admitted the crime to officers after one of his co-accused and fellow room attendant Raj Theekoy, 33, made a statement implicating him and the third accused, floor supervisor Sandip Moneea, 41.
DNA tests on forensic evidence recovered from her body are due to be completed by the end of the week.
Authorities are hopeful that a trial will take place within six months.
In recent days 30-year-old Mr McAreavey described his late wife as his best friend who was the “rock” of his life.
The Co Down gaelic footballer said he shared his pain with Michaela’s parents, Mickey and Marian, and her three brothers.
“She is a gift from God and I now have an angel,” he said.
“I can’t describe in words how lost I feel as Michaela is not just the light of my life — she is my life.”
He added: “Our hopes, our dreams and our future together are gone. I love my wife, very, very much and my world revolved around her.”
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