The family of a Mayo man whose body was pulled from a river in Georgia says they're "absolutely devastated" at his loss.

A murder investigation is underway following the death of Thomas Kennedy.

Police allege the 28-year-old was beaten by a group of men and then thrown into the Mtkavari River last week.

The men are alleged to have fled the scene, with the body recovered the following day near the village of Kvakhvreli in Gori Municipality.

Four men have been arrested in relation to what Georgian police describe as "premeditated murder", while a fifth man has been charged with not reporting the crime.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise funds for the repatriation of Thomas' body home to Ireland, with organisers of the fundraising effort saying repatriation is proving a particular challenge due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions.

More than €36,000 has already been raised, with any additional funds raised to cover the funeral costs and expenses of Thomas' family travelling to Georgia for the trial.

Thomas' cousin Olivia Barrett wrote: "We are absolutely devastated - there are no words.

"Life will never be the same again without our beautiful talented boy."

The family is also receiving help from the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust to repatriate Thomas back to Mayo.