The family of an Irish man who was found dead after going missing in Los Angeles earlier this month have appealed to the public for help to bring him home.
Gary Reilly, 28, from Ballinlough, between Kells and Oldcastle in Meath, was last seen on a midnight bus travelling from Bakersfield to LA in California before he went missing.
According to his friend, he is believed to have been 'ejected' from the bus at some point in the journey and failed to make contact in the days after.
READ MORE: Gary Reilly: Tributes pour in for 'one of a kind' Meath man found dead in Los Angeles
After a viral social media campaign to find Gary was circulated online, the young man's body was sadly found by officers.
While the circumstances of his death are unknown, the LA coroner confirmed he had died on May 5, and his body has since been formally identified.
Gary, who was described as "a great lad" and "one of a kind", will be laid to rest in Ireland after his repatriation.
Family and friends of the young man have set up a GoFundMe to help Gary's family travel to America and bring him home.
The GoFundMe post reads: "This week, our dear friend, Gary Reilly, who passed away in America, will be laid to rest in Ireland.
"Gary was a gentleman, a real character, and he packed so much love and life into his short 28 years as a son, a brother, an uncle and a friend.
"His devastated family now have to face the arduous journey to San Francisco to bring Gary home. This fund will assist with all costs involved, and any remainder will be donated to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust (KBRT) who have been an incredible support to the family during this difficult time.
"KBRT is a charity that will assist with Gary's repatriation and help many more bereaved families in the future.
"Gary had an impact on anyone who had the pleasure of meeting him, and we will all miss him dearly.
"Your contribution, however small, will be greatly appreciated."
The GoFundMe's goal of €10,000 has already been surpassed, reaching a staggering €21,125 in just 17 hours.
If you would like to donate to the cause, click here.
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