KOTTAYAM: A student who arrived to attend his friend's brother’s marriage drowned while swimming in the Meenanthara River in Kottayam on Sunday. Joel Williams (21) is the deceased. He was a third-year Physiotherapy (BPT) student at Columbia College of Nursing, Bengaluru.

The tragic incident happened around 8:30 am on Sunday at Mullankuzhi Wharf. It was on Saturday that Joel along with his three friends reached the marriage house in Iranjal. Sunday was the wedding day and before attending it, Joel reached the river which was adjacent to their homestay. Joel who was a decent swimmer received the shock when he was swept away by the strong undercurrent when he stepped on the water. Seeing the horrific sight, the friends cried for help which alerted an autorickshaw driver nearby. He informed the East Police Station and the Fire Force. Joel's father Williams also reached the spot.

After hours of searching, the body was found near the KurishinThott in Iranjal around 12.45 pm. The body was shifted to Kottayam Medical College Hospital for post-mortem. The funeral ceremony will take place on Monday at 10 am in the 'Church of God in India', 14th Mile.