Samoan/Māori teenager, Manaia Tither-Asiata, has tragically died after falling approximately 15 metres from a rope swing on the northern Gold Coast.

The incident occurred around 6:40pm on Sunday, as he was using a rope swing off a steep rock on the embankment of the Coomera River.

The 18-year-old suffered critical injuries to his head, chest, and pelvis.

Despite paramedics' efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Manaia was a recent graduate of the Men of Business Academy, a Gold Coast secondary college providing mentorship and education for young men from disadvantaged backgrounds.

He has been remembered as a strong leader and budding musician who inspired his community.

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Marco Renai, founder of the Men of Business Academy, described Tither-Asiata as "an angel taken too early."

"He was a leader, and he inspired not only our boys but our community, our teachers, our staff … he was just so special," Mr Renai told the ABC.

Acting superintendent Jason Tuffley said Manaia had been spending time with family and friends at the river before the accident.

"It's very sad, especially if it occurred in front of family and friends," he said.

"It would be a very tragic event to witness, and no one would want to see such a thing."

A close friend of Manaia's who was present at the scene said "I'm trying to stay strong for you uce".

"Knowing I couldn't do anything to save you is eating at me...#forever18," they said.

A GoFundMe shared by those close to him has been setup to help support his family during this time.