A 21-year-old Indian international engineering student has drowned at Lake Taupō during the Easter long weekend in New Zealand, prompting an outpouring of grief and a fundraising effort to return his body to Mumbai.
Shaurya Sriram, a student at the University of Auckland, died on April 5 after getting into difficulty while swimming in the lake during a holiday trip with friends.
According to reports, Sriram had ventured into deeper waters when he began to struggle. A friend pulled him back to shore and attempted resuscitation while emergency services were contacted. He was later taken to Rotorua Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
A report from the Coroner’s Court confirmed his death shortly after the incident.
Sriram, the only child of Mumbai-based parents, had recently turned 21 and had just begun a new academic year. His sudden death has left his family devastated, with relatives describing the loss as overwhelming.
Family friend Alamelu Badrinarayanan said his parents were struggling to come to terms with the tragedy. “They are unable to process the loss. It will take time,” she said.
Efforts are now underway to repatriate his body to India for final rites, with costs estimated at $18,000. Community members and organisations have begun raising funds to support the family during the process.
Madan Mohan Sethi said consular officials would assist in expediting documentation to facilitate the return.
The incident has also renewed calls for caution around open water locations. Lake Taupō, a major tourist destination, has a history of drownings, with authorities urging visitors to remain vigilant and aware of changing conditions.
Community leaders say the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with swimming in unfamiliar or deep waters, particularly during busy holiday periods.
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