12 October 2010
Waikato Police are praising the actions of locals who assisted with the recovery of a drowning victim's body at an isolated Western Waikato coastal settlement overnight.
Sergeant Warren Shaw of the Te Awamutu Police said initial indications were alcohol was a factor in the death of an 83-year-old man near Marokopa.
"Emergency services were alerted to the incident about 7.10pm when it was reported the man, who had been drinking, had gone to the toilet and fallen into the Marokopa River.
"He was swept away down towards the river mouth, there is no cell phone coverage in this area and the man's wife had to raise the alarm at a nearby home."
Mr Shaw said given the isolated location it took some time for emergency services to arrive from the nearest towns, in the interim local residents responded to the call for assistance and the man's body was recovered.
"While those responding were unable to prevent the man's loss of life their being able to recover his body means there is some closure for his bereaved family and Police would like to acknowledge the actions of those involved.
"The man's name has not yet been released and his death has been reported to the Coroner."
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