Melbourne mates Vincent Atulia and Andrew Colivas die in Vietnam

Two young Melbourne boxers have died while holidaying with friends in Vietnam, with their families now raising money to bring their bodies back home.

Vince Atulia’s sister paid tribute to her brother as their family’s great protector. Picture; Supplied

Families and friends have paid tribute to two young Melbourne men after announcing they had died in Vietnam.

Vincent Atulia, 24, and Andrew Colivas, 25, are believed to have been holidaying with other mates in the South-East Asian country.

But the families of Mr Atulia and Mr Colivas have set up online fundraisers to bring the men home and help pay for funerals.

GoFundMe pages for both men – who are from the southeastern suburbs – say they had died “tragically” in recent days in Vietnam.

Supporters moved by the tragedy rallied around the pair, donating $51,000 to the appeal for Mr Atulia and $30,000 for Mr Colivas.

Andrew Colivas was described as a passionate boxer and a “dedicated member” of his local church. Picture: Supplied

A spokesman for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said on Monday that DFAT was providing consular assistance to the family of a man who had died in Vietnam and to three other Australians.

“We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time. Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment,” the spokesman said.

Mr Atulia was a keen boxer and had played for the Casey Warriors rugby league team.

His GoFundMe page said he was a member of the St Agatha’s Church parish in Cranbourne and worked with MC Labor Hire.

Mr Atulia’s sister Miriama said in an online tribute that her brother always protected their family.

“You did your family so proud with the life you lived, the support and protection you gave us, everything you supplied for us, money, food, clothes and a roof,” she wrote.

“You did more than any brother could do for a family, you were always there for us when we needed you.

“You always had our back when something went down, you were always there on time when I’d call you, you never failed to protect our family, especially our parents.”

Ms Atulia said her brother promised he would stay safe.

St Agatha’s Parish said: “Our thoughts and our prayers are with the family at this difficult time.”

Mr Atulia was a keen boxer and had played for the Casey Warriors rugby team. Picture: Supplied

Mr Atulia’s brother Douglas said the pair were meant to “grow old together”.

In a tribute posted to social media on Monday, Douglas shared several photos of his brother and friends.

“The day I lost my brother, my everything, my right hand, my leader. I still wake up hoping it wasn’t true,” he said.

“I wish I could hear your voice and see your face one last time, no words can describe the pain.

“Lost my brother who taught me everything I know and made me who I am today, without you I’m lost brother.

“We’re supposed to grow old together and watch you kill it in life and achieve your goals and lead off your example.”

Mr Atulia’s brother said he had a “big hole” in his heart.

“Now it’s up to me to make what you wanted happen. No one could and will ever replace you,” he said.

“You’ve left me with a big hole in my heart and also left me with a big role to fill, till that day we meet again my brother I’ll make sure to make you proud every day.

“I know you’re watching over me and our family.”

Andrew Colivas’ family announced the news of his death late on Monday night.

“It is with great sadness that we share the message of the untimely passing of our beloved son and friend Andrew Colivas,” the message read.

“He tragically lost his life in Vietnam and it’s going to be a long process to bring him home.

“The GoFundMe will assist with funeral costs and all other financial matters in this complicated situation and will help the family during this tough time.”

Fundraiser organiser Nick Colivas said his brother’s main passion was boxing and was a “dedicated member” of his local church.

“Andrew was only 25 and had a passion for boxing. He was a kind, generous and selfless person that loved his family, friends and all things he attempted in life,” he said.

“Andrew was one to go above and beyond to help and protect anyone. He was a dedicated member of Saint Gregorios Orthodox Church and was devoted to his faith.

“We pray for strength during this time of grieving, may God bring you back home safely to us.”