$100k raised for Indian national Abin Philip following tragic death at Gardners Falls

The community has rallied for the family of an Indian student who died at a popular Maleny waterfall earlier this week, in a bid to help them get their son home.

Indian national Abin Philip has been remembered as a gentle soul after his tragic death in Maleny on November 28, 2022. Picture: Contributed

More than $100,000 has been raised for the family of an Indian student who died at Gardners Falls near Maleny.

A rescue operation was launched to save the life of Abin Philip, 24, who had visited the popular tourist spot on Monday, November 28 with mates from Maroochydore.

It is understood Mr Philip had swung from a rope swing and disappeared in the water about 3.30pm, sparking a desperate search by emergency services.

He was later tragically found dead, suspected to have drowned.

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The family has expressed their wishes to have Mr Philip’s funeral in India with the funds raised to be used for funeral expenses and repatriation costs.

Fundraising site Gofundme has so far recorded about 1500 donations totalling more than $101,000.

Sunshine Coast Kerala Association Inc president Sebastian Sajish said the tight-knit southern Indian community in the region was devastated by the loss of such a “gentle soul”.

Mr Sajish said Mr Philip was one of their association’s international student representatives and had been living on the Sunshine Coast while studying in Brisbane.

Abin Philip.

He joined the association due to his ties to the southern Indian state of Kerala, where his parents and younger brother live.

It’s understood Mr Philip had finished his studies for the year and was planning to return to India to see his family.

“He was one of the most active members of our society, particularly in sport and soccer, he was the best goalkeeper we had,” Mr Sajish said.

“What Abin was really passionate about however was photography, it was what he loved doing and he was one of the best freelance photographers we had ever seen.

“It didn’t matter what camera he used, his photos were perfect.”

Mr Sajish said the 24-year-old had been studying to support a career in hospitality but had aspirations to further his photography career, often using his drone to photograph Buderim and Gardners Falls.

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Mr Sajish said he had been in contact with Mr Philip’s parents who were in complete shock at his sudden death.

“It’s very difficult for them right now, they are inconsolable,” he said.

Mr Sajish said the society was working closely with the family while awaiting for the 24-year-old’s autopsy.

They hope to organise a memorial for Mr Philip before his body is repatriated to India.

Originally published as $100k raised for Indian national Abin Philip following tragic death at Gardners Falls