Murray River tragedy: Mildura cricket community rallies to help family of drowning victim

A beloved Mildura cricket player tragically drowned in the Murray River, with his cricket team now raising funds to help his family travel to Australia from India for his funeral.

A GoFundMe to support the family of Harry Chatha who died after drowning in the Murray River near Mildura on Tuesday has raised nearly $10,000. Picture: Supplied

A 54-year-old Indian man has been identified as the victim of a tragic drowning in the Murray River in Mildura last week.

Following an extensive cross-border search, Harry Chatha’s body was found Thursday morning just across the New South Wales border.

Emergency services were first alerted about 4.20pm on Tuesday when Mr Chatha failed to return from Apex Park’s beach area in Mildura.

Due to the condition of his remains, Mr Chatha cannot be returned to India for a traditional burial.

That has prompted Mr Chatha’s cricket team, the South West Cricket Club in Red Cliffs, to start a GoFundMe on behalf of his family so they can come to Australia for his funeral.

The GoFundMe has a target of $20,000 and through 85 donations in just two days is almost halfway to its target, with more than $8000 raised.

“I’m actually blown away by the response,” GoFundMe organiser and Mr Chatha’s teammate at the South West Cricket Club John Graham said.

Mr Chatha’s body was found after he went missing from the beach near Apex Park on the Murray River in Mildura.

“It’s heartwarming that the community response has been so huge, especially with things being so tough in Australia at the moment.”

Mr Graham also paid tribute to Mr Chatha’s dedication and generosity.

“He was a character. Whenever I needed someone to give me a hand with something, he was the first one to put his hand up.”

His commitment to the club was so inspirational that they named their bar “Harry’s Bar” in his honour, a tradition that will continue.

South West Cricket Club captain Vicky Gupta described his friend Harry as a passionate cricketer and loyal friend.

Mr Chatha was described as a passionate cricketer and a loyal friend by South West Cricket Club captain and close mate Vicky Gupta. Picture: Supplied

“He was a special bloke. He really had a heart of gold. If you needed help, he was the first one to put his hands up. He was so passionate about things, and he was just a superb cricketer,” he said

Mr Gupta also expressed gratitude to those who donated to the fundraiser.

“I am the main contact for the family here in Australia, and they can’t believe it. Because it was so sudden, they need to come here for some kind of closure.

“So many people have been so generous, and they have such beautiful hearts for supporting [Harry’s family] and I just want to thank everyone who has supported the GoFundMe so far, and if we could keep it going for Harry’s family, every bit, large or small, counts,” Mr Gupta said.