'I pray she didn't suffer:' Vigil for American nurse planned as Irish man held for murder in Hungary
Picture: Gofundme Michalski Mackenzie
The best friend of an American nurse who was allegedly killed by an Irishman has said she “prays she did not suffer.”
Mackenzie Michalski, aged 31, and also known as Kenzie, was reported missing on November 5 after she failed to return to her Airbnb in Budapest.
A 37-year-old Irishman who cannot be named for legal reasons, was later arrested with authorities saying that he confessed to her killing.
Hungarian Police said the man tried to conceal her body in a suitcase in a wooded area more than 140km from Budapest, near Lake Balaton, in November.
Authorities said CCTV showed the man met Ms Michalski at a nightclub in Budapest before they went to his rented property.
He is due to appear back in court in Hungary on March 10.
Rebecca Worden, who has taken part in several appeals for her friend while she her friend was missing, told the Irish Examiner she is heartbroken over her loss.
“McKenzie was an amazing young woman with a big heart and helped many" she said.
“I pray for justice for my sweet Kenzie, and I pray she did not suffer.”
Mackenzie Michalski, a popular nurse from Porland Oregon, had worked in healthcare and wellbeing for most of her career and dozens of tributes have been paid to her online.
During the course of their investigation, Hungarian police said they uncovered evidence which "gave rise to the suspicion of murder".
Ms Worden added that the Michalski family are “deeply private people” and that her death has left them shattered.
Her comments come ahead of a planned memorial service and celebration of Mackenzie’s life, which will be held in Buffalo - to mark what would have been her 32nd birthday.
In a post on the “Find Mackenzie Michalski” Facebook page, Makenzie's brother Nicholas said friends and family were due to gather to remember his sister on Saturday January 18, 2025, from 12-4pm, with visitation hours and reception from 1-4pm.
The memorial will take place at Asbury Hall, 341 Delaware Avenue, (Corner of Delaware Avenue and West Tupper Street) at Buffalo, NY 14202.
The service will also be streamed online he said.