A week on from the drowning tragedy that killed Abin Philip, his friends said he will be remembered for his glorious smile and joyful personality.
Mr Philip was an international student from India who was finishing his studies at the University of the Sunshine Coast.
His friends said he was an outstanding soccer player and a passionate photographer.
The 24-year-old died at Gardners Falls in Maleny on Monday afternoon.
Mr Philip went to the popular waterhole for a swim with friends on Monday afternoon, but after swinging from a rope into the water, he never returned to the surface.
A fundraising campaign has generated around $110,000 from more than 1,600 donations.
Sebastian Thomas from the Sunshine Coast Kerala Association helped set up the fundraising page for Mr Philip's family.
Tragedy before big trip home
Mr Thomas said Mr Philip had been planning his first trip home in four years.
"His salary was to come in on the next day -- the very next day he passed," Mr Thomas said.
"He was planning to buy tickets to go visit his parents and his brother for Christmas; he was very attached to them I believe."
News of the young man's death has devastated his family.
"His father kind of collapsed; he had to be taken into the hospital," Mr Thomas said.
"His mother was informed the next day."
The donations will go towards repatriating Mr Philip's body, paying off student loans, and supporting his family in India.
"The response from the Australian community was just amazing; within the 24 to 26-hour mark we actually met our target amount," Mr Tomas said.
He said Mr Philip was hardworking and had part-time jobs as a chef at a nursing home on the Sunshine Coast and at an Indian restaurant in Maroochydore while studying hospitality management.
"Abin was supporting his younger brother who is studying in Bangalore," he said.
Grappling with a 'huge loss'
Friends said Mr Philip was a wonderful photographer and talented soccer goalkeeper who was an active member of the community.
"We used to fight over him ... whichever team [got Abin] wins the match," Mr Thomas said.
"If you meet him just once, you just won't forget him; he was such a personality, he has this smile which nobody could ignore.
"He was a really respectful young boy; such a well-behaved boy that you wish you had a brother like him."
Joe Paul Paulson said he had spoken to his friend a few days prior to his death about a soccer game the team was planning to travel to Brisbane for.
"He was so enthusiastic about it."
"No one can replace him ... it's really shocking for anyone who knows him — really, really shocking."
'Abin always wanted a suit'
Mr Thomas said the Kerala Association had come together to support Mr Philip's grieving friends by cooking meals, visiting and offering counselling.
He said his friends had purchased a suit for Mr Philip to wear during his funeral ceremony.
"His friends went and bought a suit yesterday for him ... Abin always wanted to wear a suit, but he couldn't afford one."
"We can't replace Abin and the family ... will never be the same but what we can do is give them some financial support."
Mr Thomas and Mr Paulson expressed heartfelt thanks to everyone who had donated to help support the family.
