Lake Taupō: Auckland University engineering student dies after being pulled from water

Acacia Bay at Lake Taupō, where a university student drowned over the Easter weekend. Photo / Supplied.

A 21‑year‑old Auckland University engineering student has died after getting into trouble while swimming with friends at Lake Taupō over Easter.

Police said a person died after being pulled unconscious from the water at Whakamoenga Pt, Acacia Bay about 3.20pm on Sunday.

The victim has been named as student Shaurya Sriram by the university and in a news report.

Indian Newslink reported Sriram got into trouble in the water, and a friend pulled him out and called emergency services.

Attempts were made to revive him at the scene and he was taken to Rotorua Hospital, where he died, the Auckland-based outlet reported.

The loss had reportedly devastated the student’s family, who had lived in New Zealand for two decades before returning to Powai, Mumbai.

Indian Newslink reported Sriram celebrated his 21st birthday last month and had begun the new academic year at Auckland University five days before the incident.

Family friend Ms Badrinarayanan told the outlet the loss had taken a toll on Sriram’s parents.

“They are unable to come to terms with the tragedy. It could take a long time.”

In a statement to the Rotorua Daily Post, an Auckland University spokesperson confirmed Sriram was one of its second-year engineering students.

The university was saddened by his tragic death at Lake Taupō, and its thoughts and condolences were with his family and friends.

Police said the death had been referred to the coroner.

Zoe Blake is a multimedia journalist at the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post.