The two young men who died while swimming in a popular Queensland waterfall have been identified.
Emergency services were called to Millaa Millaa Falls, about 90 kilometres southwest of Cairns, at around 8.55am on Tuesday after reports that two men had failed to surface after swimming.
The two men were identified as Indian students Chaitanya Mupparaju and Surya Teja Bobbaon on Wednesday morning.
Surya Mangapati, a spokesman for the victims’ families, said they were “shattered” beyond words.
“We are deeply saddened to share the devastating news of the recent accident that claimed the lives of two promising young students from India, Chaitanya Mupparaju and Surya Teja Bobba,” he said via GoFundMe.
‘Their lives were cut short in a tragic incident that occurred at… Millaa Millaa Falls… leaving their families and loved ones devastated beyond words.
‘His untimely departure has left a void that can never be filled.
Two young men who died while swimming in a popular Queensland waterfall have been identified
‘In this time of profound grief, we come together to support their families during this unimaginably difficult time.
‘Your generous contributions will help ease the financial burden of funeral expenses and provide some relief as they endure this heartbreaking loss.’
The Cairns branch of the World Organisation for People of Indian Origin was helping their families bring their bodies back to India.
Police initially believed the men, aged 28 and 29, had jumped from the waterfall.
However, it was later determined that they had entered the water at ground level and tragically drowned.
Chaitanya Mupparaju (pictured) died while swimming in Millaa Millaa Falls
Surya Teja Bobba died while swimming in the waterfall
“The investigations carried out so far lead us to believe that two men entered the water from the shore. They did not jump from the rocks,” said Inspector Jason Smith.
“It appears that one man got into difficulty and a second man arrived to assist him and unfortunately both men died.”
A third man who was with the swimmers suffered a cold and shock and was assisting police with the investigation.
The men’s swimming abilities will form part of a report prepared for the coroner.
“It was a bright and sunny day, this has been a tragic event and our hearts go out to the family of the men involved,” Inspector Smith said.
The waterfall has reopened to the public.