Tributes are flowing in for a Kiwi woman who died in Australia after overdosing while celebrating her 40th birthday.
Danielle Whittaker, originally from Wellington, died in a Gold Coast high-rise apartment on Good Friday, while celebrating with her friends.
According to 9News, the group were partying in an apartment in Surfers Paradise where it's believed some women ingested a cocktail of drugs.
Whittaker suffered a cardiac arrest and despite best efforts from paramedics, she couldn't be revived.
A GoFundMe has since been set up to raise funds to return her body to New Zealand.
"Danni was larger than life, a fierce defender of what she believed was right, creative, clever, hilarious and always fun to be around," the description reads.
"She loved people, supporting her friend's achievements; entrepreneurial endeavours and spiritual development. She encouraged everyone to be their best and to not take any rubbish from anyone! Danni was protective and would back her mates in a heartbeat.
"Danni would want her body returned to the earth of New Zealand. The costs for repatriation are expensive, around $10,000 which is an unexpected cost on her family. Her friends would love to help the family out by raising money to assist."
Meanwhile, people who knew and loved Whittaker have shared tributes to her social media pages.
"I can't believe it's true. It was just a couple of months ago that we were messaging about a post on your Instagram, laughing and joking," one woman wrote.
"I loved seeing what angel numbers would come up next for you, now you're flying with them."
"I'm heartbroken for your family who is left earthside but I know you are happy and at peace on the other side and I'm sure you will send them plenty of signs that you are around," another woman wrote.
A third wrote: "This one has truly hit me like a freight train and I'm absolutely heartbroken and shocked to my core."
"You still had so much left to do on this earth, and the world's light has become a little dimmer and a lot less funnier now you're gone."
Another woman said her "heart is breaking" following the news of Whittaker's death.
"You were a genuine force, an inspirational super woman with more passion and drive and spirit and feistiness than in anyone else I've ever met."
Two other patients were found not breathing at the same apartment on Friday.
One 43-year-old woman was taken to hospital in a critical condition, while another has since been released from hospital.
