A 37-year-old man who drowned in the Murray River on Australia Day has been identified as Leigh Marshall by his former football club, who joined his friends in paying tribute to him online.
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Mr Marshall, who also went by Bobby and Bobbylee, was remembered as a “beautiful soul” full of “fun, joy and laughter”.
The South Yarra Masters Football Club confirmed to members Mr Marshall had drowned in the Murray River, Yarrawonga on Saturday and asked players to “be safe around water and look after each other”.
It’s the second time in weeks someone has drowned in the Murray River.
NSW Police could not confirm the man’s identity but said a 37-year-old man entered the waters about 12.30 on Saturday when he began to struggle to stay afloat.
Members of the public called triple zero and tried to assist the man, who eventually went under the water.
NSW and Victoria police attended the scene to assist Mr Marshall, along with Victorian paramedics and Yarrawonga State Emergency Services.
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NSW Police confirmed a man’s body was recovered about 1.10pm on Saturday.
Despite occurring on the Victorian border, the investigation is being handled by NSW Police who will prepare a report for the coroner.
Police said the coroner’s report will determine whether or not a medical incident caused the drowning.
Friends of Mr Marshall took social media to pay tribute to the 37-year-old and express their heartbreak and shock at his sudden death.
“Australia Day will never have the same feel,” said one friend.
Mr Marshall was described by friends as someone who was always smiling and having fun who had impacted many people throughout his life.
The Australia Day tragedy is the second drowning to occur in the Murray River this month.
On January 9, Bigul Pandit disappeared underwater in the Murray River near Noreuil Park, Albury.
The body of the 21-year-old Nepalese university student has not yet been recovered and a memorial sits is still present on the banks of the Murray River.
Rescuers and police believe Mr Pandit did not make it to shore and drowned.
Albury and Border Rescue Squad captain Paul Marshall scaled down the search for Mr Pandit only days before the Australia Day drowning after more than 320 hours searching in extreme heat
But they remain still hopeful that his body would be recovered.
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Digital journalists with The Border Mail.
Digital journalists with The Border Mail.
