Tragedy as medic dies in waterfall plunge

A promising young medic has plunged to her death from a waterfall after trying to retrieve a tripod she was using to take pictures of the special day.

A promising young medic has plunged to her death off a waterfall after trying to retrieve photographic equipment.

Ujvala Vemuru had been hiking with friends at Yanbacoochie Falls, in Lamington National Park in the Gold Coast Hinterland, on Saturday afternoon when the group stopped to take photos using a tripod.

It is understood that the tripod had fallen over a ledge and when Ms Vemuru tried to retrieve it she slipped and fell 10 metres down a slope and another 10 metres off a waterfall, the Gold Coast Bulletin reported.

Ujvala Vemuru plunged to her death while trying to retrieve photographic equipment at a Gold Coast hinterland waterfall. Photo Supplied

Three off-duty doctors worked tirelessly to save Ms Vemuru but she tragically died at the scene.

Ms Vemuru, who is from Western Australia, graduated from Gold Coast’s Bond University last year with a Bachelor of Medical Studies and Doctor of Medicine.

Paramedics and firefighters reportedly attended the area where Ms Vemuru died earlier this week to retrieve the body.

Bond University medicine graduate Ujvala Vemuru fell from a waterfall on Saturday afternoon.

Ms Vemuru was previously honoured as one of “WA’s brightest young minds” for her exam results at Willetton Senior High School in 2018.

Police will prepare a report for the Coroner.

The tragedy has prompted the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation to warn bushwalkers to always stay on marked tracks when visiting the national park.

Yanbacoochie Falls. (Picture from Instagram)