MEMBERS of the Border Bhutanese community are supporting the family of a drowning victim.
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His body was found by police divers in water off Table Top Reserve about 1.10pm on Thursday during a search spanning several hours.
The Bhutanese national had spent 22 years in a Nepalese refugee camp and had moved to Adelaide six months ago.
He was visiting family members in Albury and had only been in the area for five days.
Bhutanese Australia Community Support Group Albury Wodonga member Harka Bista said Mr Rai was being remembered as an honest man.
“I was with the family, assisting them with support (on Thursday),” he said.
“It’s very hard for the family and the entire community.
“I think he was a very honest and very good man in the eyes of the community.”
Mr Rai’s father is still in a Nepalese refugee camp and his mother lives in the United States.
He had moved to Australia with his sister and had been living with his uncle.
Mr Bista said relatives spoke of a kind-hearted and gentle man.
Chairperson Tika Poudyel said the incident had been "very unfortunate".
“It really is a shock to the community,” he said.
“The Bhutanese support group is helping.
"We have been organising some support.
"We will contribute some money and see how we can support the family.”
Mr Rai had been swimming with two others when he went missing.
The pair raised the alarm, leading to a search operation. Police will prepare a report for the coroner.
