A community has been left in shock following the death of a 22-year-old Indian youth, Ravneet Singh Gill at Duranbah beach near Gold Coast.
Gold Coast Sikh Council have come forward to assist the family of the deceased by setting up a My Cause fundraiser page.
An amount of nearly $30,000 has been raised so far from more than 500 donations in just four days of setting this fundraiser.
Gold Coast Sikh Council community spokesperson Surjit Singh said Mr Gill's death "has been a shock to the small Sikh community of the Gold Coast".
"As the eldest of his family Ravneet was the pillar of hope and support for his parents and younger brother who reside in India," he told .
Jeff and Anu Samra from Miami, USA donated an amount of $500 towards the cause – “Very sorry to hear this sad news. May God give his family and friends strength to cope with this tragic loss,” they said.
A community social worker Manjit Boparai is assisting in carrying Ravneet’s body back to India for his last rituals.
“We have collected the body from Newcastle post mortem centre and it will be sent by-air to India on Tuesday,” said Mr Boparai.
“We are now waiting for some paperwork including a death certificate from the authorities. They are very helpful but there could be a small delay due to holiday season.
“We would like to thank Indian Consulate for their quick action and commitment to pay the costs of getting is body back to India. We expect these costs to go above $8000.
“They [Indian Consulate] have been very prompt in this service and we really appreciate their help.
“We also acknowledge Gold Coast Sikh council’s initiative to set a community fund to provide financial support to Ravneet Gill’s family.
The impact of Ravneet Singh's death has touched many, including the Indian-Australian. The family and friends are expressing their grief on social media.
“It was a tragic end to young life. He came to Australia as an international student to build his life as a migrant,” said an Indian community spokesperson Rashpal Heyer.
Friends of a university student who drowned at Duranbah beach have gathered for an emotional memorial. Source: Supplied
