Monday, 27 January 2020

Man named after body found in river

    1. Canterbury
    2. Christchurch

    The gorge of the Hokitika River, West Coast, in the South Island of New Zealand. The colour of the water is characteristic of glacier meltwater. Photo: Getty Images
    It is believed the man fell from rocks while preparing to jump into the water at the Hokitika Gorge. Photo: Getty Images
    Police have identified the body of a young man who died after an incident at a West Coast river at the weekend.

    He was Solomone Tuitalau, of Christchurch.

    It is believed the 23-year-old fell from rocks while preparing to jump into the water at the Hokitika Gorge and failed to resurface on Saturday. 

    Police were first alerted to the emergency near Whitecombe Valley Rd on Sunday about 12.50pm and searched until dark.

    A team including Search and Rescue personnel, Department of Conservation staff and a jet boat resumed looking for the man at 8am on Monday.

    His body was found in the Hokitika River.

    Police have thanked all those involved in the search. 

    The death would be referred to the Coroner. 

    Star News