Two young men who died while swimming at waterfall are identified

The two young men who died while swimming at a popular Queensland waterfall have been identified.

Emergency services rushed to Millaa Millaa Falls, approximately 90km southwest of Cairns, around 8.55am on Tuesday after reports two men had not resurfaced after going for a swim.

The pair were identified as Indian students Chaitanya Mupparaju and Surya Teja Bobbaon on Wednesday morning.

A spokesperson for the victim’s families, Surya Mangapati, 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,’ she said via GoFundMe.

‘Their lives were cut short in a tragic incident that happened in … Millaa Millaa falls … leaving their families and loved ones shattered beyond words.

‘Their untimely departure has left a void that can never be filled.

‘In this time of profound grief, we are coming together to support their families during this unimaginably difficult period. 

‘Your generous contributions will help alleviate the financial burden of funeral expenses and provide some measure of relief as they navigate through this heartbreaking loss.’

The Cairns’ branch of the Global Organisation for People of Indian Origin was assisting their families to bring their bodies back to India.

Initially, the police believed that 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.

‘Inquiries at this stage lead us to believe that two men entered the water from the shore. They did not jump from the rocks,’ Inspector Jason Smith said. 

‘It appears that one man got into difficulty and that a second man has then come to render him assistance, and unfortunately, both men perished.’

A third man who was with the swimmers suffered cold and shock and was helping police with the investigation.

The swimming capabilities of the men will form part of a report prepared for the coroner.

‘It was a bright, sunny day, and this has been a tragic event and our hearts go out to the family of the men involved,’ Insp Smith said.

The waterfall has reopened to the public.

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