The search on the West Coast for missing two-year-old Emily Saunders has now come to a close.
Emily was last seen on Thursday 9 June 2016 after a four-wheel-drive vehicle became stranded in the Poerua River.
The body of 66-year-old Barry Petrie, who was also in the vehicle, was recovered nearby on Friday 10 June 2016.
The week-long search has involved Search and Rescue volunteers, the Police National Dive Squad, victim recovery dogs, helicopters and several other units.
Area Commander West Coast Inspector Mel Aitken recognises the immense efforts the local community has gone to searching for the two-year-old and thanks everyone involved in the search:
“Sadly we must now end our search phase. We’ve exhausted all avenues, with an extensive search of the area where Emily was last seen.
I want to thank the many volunteers, including Search and Rescue and the wider West Coast community who have shown their generosity and support to the family through this terrible tragedy.”
Police spoke to Emily’s family tonight and the Saunders family have made the following statement in response:
“We would like to take this opportunity to personally thank all those involved with the search for our daughter, Emily.
We would also like to express our gratitude to our community, the numerous groups and organisations that have helped our family in many ways during this time.
We would like to especially thank Victim Support who worked with the Lions and other groups who have made it possible for family to come, so we can be together during this difficult time.”
Police will continue to offer their full support to Emily’s family at this time and thank the community for their overwhelming support throughout the search.
ENDS
MEDIA NOTE: The Saunders family have asked for privacy at this difficult time.
Police Media Centre