Police have released the name of the tramper who died in a
fall while climbing Mt Twilight, in the upper Wilkin Valley,
during the weekend.
He was Michael Gillard Taylor (60), of Wellington.
Wanaka Police SAR co-ordinator Senior Constable Mike Johnston
said today Mr Taylor was a member of the Tararua Tramping
club, whose members were on their annual Christmas tramping
trip in the Wilkin Valley, near Makarora.
Mr Taylor had set off on Saturday for a solo climb of Mt
Twilight and failed to return to the Top Forks hut that
evening. Members of the group raised the alarm by radio early
the following day.
His body was found at 3.30pm on Sunday in a steep rocky
section on the northern aspect of Mt Twilight during a
helicopter search. It was recovered and taken to Wanaka.
Police believe Mr Taylor has no next of kin in New Zealand
and are making inquiries overseas in an attempt to inform
family members.
The matter has been referred to the Coroner.
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