Tributes for Chaitanya Mupparaju and Surya Teja Bobba who died at Millaa Millaa Falls

Two young men have been remembered by friends and family as “promising young students” after reportedly drowning at a waterfall in Far North Queensland.

Indian students Chaitanya Mupparaju and Surya Teja Bobba tragically died after running into trouble at Millaa Millaa Falls, southwest of Cairns on Tuesday morning.

Two young men have been remembered by friends and family as “promising young students” after drowning at a waterfall in Far North Queensland.

Indian students Chaitanya Mupparaju, 28, and Surya Teja Bobba, 29, were holidaying when they died at popular waterhole Millaa Millaa Falls, 90km southwest of Cairns, on Tuesday.

Their bodies were tragically retrieved at noon in what is understood to be the first fatalities at the location.

Emergency services blocked access to Millaa Millaa Falls after two men who entered the water and failed to resurface on July 16, 2024.

Mr Mupparaju’s relative Sree Dakarapu grew up with Chaitanya Mupparajuin Andhra Pradesh, a southern coastal region in India, before they moved to Australia.

“We are (distant) cousins and used to play on the same street,” Mr Dakarapu said.
“We grew up as (close) family so this is really hard to digest.”

Mr Dakarapu said Mr Mupparaju and Mr Bobba were waiting for their permanent visas.

“Chaitanya is married and was planning to bring his wife (to Australia) once he settled with his visa. They didn’t have children yet,” he said.

It is understood Mr Mupparaju and Mr Bobba were roommates living in Melbourne.

He said the third man who was with them, an Indian national living in Cairns, was still trying to process what happened.

“He’s still saying, it happened right in front of my eyes. They both vanished in the water,” Mr Dakarapu said.

Mr Chaitanya is survived by his wife, mother and older sister.

According to Mr Dakarapu, Mr Bobba was not married.

Indian students Chaitanya Mupparaju and Surya Teja Bobba tragically died at Millaa Millaa Falls, southwest of Cairns, on Tuesday morning.

“All the family’s back in India. They didn’t even get to see the body,” Mr Dakarapu said.

“We haven’t got confirmation from the (coroner’s investigation) yet so once it’s done, we are yet to find a funeral service with sending the body overseas as well.”

Mr Mupparaju’s cousin, Surya Mangapati, said families were “shattered beyond words”.

“We are deeply saddened to share the devastating news of the recent accident that claimed the lives of two promising young students from India, Chaitanya Mupparaju and Surya Teja Bobba,” he said via GoFundMe.

“Their lives were cut short in a tragic incident that happened in … Millaa Millaa falls … leaving their families and loved ones shattered beyond words.

“Their untimely departure has left a void that can never be filled.

“In this time of profound grief, we are coming together to support their families during this unimaginably difficult period.

“Your generous contributions will help alleviate the financial burden of funeral expenses and provide some measure of relief as they navigate through this heartbreaking loss.”

Emergency services have blocked the access to Millaa Millaa Falls, after two men who entered the water failed to resurface on July 16, 2024.

Almost $40,000 has been raised with 24 hours.

All money raised will go towards funeral costs.

It was first thought the victims had jumped into the water, but police later said they entered the water for a swim before failing to resurface.

The third man who survived the fatal swim has been identified as a 27-year-old Cairns North man.

Millaa Millaa Falls, Queensland. Picture: Google Maps

“It appears that one (of the men who died) got into difficulty after entering the water and then a second man has come to render him assistance, and unfortunately both men perished,” Inspector Jason Smith said.

He added: “This investigation has been challenging because of the location and difficulty communicating with witnesses involved in the matter.

“Thankfully QFES Swiftwater rescue have located the bodies of the gentlemen involved.”

Inspector Smith said he understood this was the first fatality at the waterfall.

The road to the falls reopened on Tuesday afternoon.

Millaa Millaa Falls is a popular waterhole in Far North Queensland.

Nearby business owner Estelle Tucker of the The Falls Teahouse reported witnessing the rush of emergency service vehicles, which included four fire units and three ambulances passing her restaurant.

“My son went down for a look and all you can see is the emergency vehicles, the road is closed obviously. We knew something was happening but it was hard to see what exactly,” Ms Tucker said.

Millaa Millaa Falls is one of the Far North’s most iconic waterfalls and a popular tourist attraction.

It comes more than a year after Indian father and son Sisira Gajanayake and Themiya Gajanayake drowned at Crystal Cascades.

Originally published as Tributes for Chaitanya Mupparaju and Surya Teja Bobba who died at Millaa Millaa Falls