Amosh Devkota, 22, declared ‘brain dead’ after drowning in Newcastle hotel pool during New Year holiday

Family and friends are grieving the death of a man who was known for bringing joy to “everyone around him” after he drowned during a New Year’s trip to Newcastle with friends.

Amosh Devkota was pulled unconscious from a hotel pool at Charlestown.

Family and friends are grieving the death of a man who was known for his “vibrant soul” after he drowned during a New Year’s trip to Newcastle with friends.

Nepalese international student Amosh Devkota, 22, was on a trip to Newcastle with friends when tragedy struck on January 5.

Emergency services were called to a Charlestown hotel on the Pacific Motorway about 3.30pm to reports an unconscious man had been pulled from the hotel swimming pool.

NSW Ambulance paramedics treated Mr Devkota before he was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition.

Amosh’s sister Amisha said her brother had suffered a “devastating accident” while swimming with paramedics unable to revive him.

Emergency services were called to a hotel on the Pacific Motorway at Charlestown following reports an unconscious man had been pulled from the swimming pool.

He died at the hospital two days later, on January 7.

“Despite the valiant efforts of medical professionals, he was declared brain dead, leaving our family heartbroken and in shock,” Amisha said.

“Amosh was not just my brother; he was a vibrant soul who brought joy and laughter to everyone around him. His loss is profoundly felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him.”

Police said his death was not being treated as suspicious.

Royal Life Saving Australia regards the festive season as the deadliest time of year for drownings, with 26 per cent of all 2023 drownings occurring between Christmas and New Year.

The Christmas-New Year period can often be dire for drownings. Picture: Lachie Millard

Friends and family have since taken to social media to share their grief.

“It is with a heavy heart that I share the loss of our beloved brother,” Amosh’s brother Nirajan said in a Facebook post.

“Brother, may your soul rest in peace. May Pashupatinath (Nepal’s holiest Hindu temple) give strength to the entire family to be patient.”

Himal Bhandari, a childhood friend, said: “I will miss you forever, my brother.”

“With your passing, a part of me is gone too – every cherished memory of our childhood and the days we shared.

“You were more than a friend; you were family. Rest easy, my brother, and know that you will live on in my heart forever.”

Amosh Devkota was well loved. Picture: Facebook

Sanjeev Sharma, consul of Nepal to NSW, said the consulate was working closely with authorities to investigate the drowning.

“We are deeply saddened by this unfortunate incident and extend our heartfelt condolences to Mr Devkota’s family, friends, and loved ones,” Mr Sharma said.

“Amosh Devkota, an international student from Nepal, was a valued member of our community, and his untimely passing is a profound loss to us all.

“We urge all members of our community to prioritise safety in public spaces and remain vigilant while engaging in activities such as swimming.”

Friends and family have since established a GoFundMe page to raise funds for Amosh’s funeral service.

“Your support will not only help us honour Amosh’s memory but also ease the burden on our family as we cope with this profound loss,” Amisha said.

“Thank you for your kindness and generosity during this heartbreaking time. Your support means the world to us and will help us celebrate Amosh’s life in a way that reflects the love and connection he shared with all of us.”

Originally published as Amosh Devkota, 22, declared ‘brain dead’ after drowning in Newcastle hotel pool during New Year holiday