A 32-year-old Christchurch woman has died in a tramping tragedy in the Deception Valley near Otira, West Coast, today.
Acting Senior Sergeant Wayne Corbett, Tasman Police District Command Centre, says the woman was a in a party of five trampers 3km up Deception Valley towards Goat Valley. They were making their third crossing of the Deception River when she became detached from her group and was swept downstream.
The woman was found by her companions about 1km downstream. CPR was carried out by members of the party and emergency services called, however she died at the scene.
“The party activated their EPIRB (emergency position indicating radio beacon) around 11am which meant a rescue chopper and other emergency services staff were able to go straight to the scene."
The woman’s body was then flown to Greymouth.
“It’s been a sad start to the year on the West Coast and our thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends,” Senior Sergeant Corbett said.
Inquiries into the tragedy are continuing. The victim’s name will be released once all the family notifications have been made.
ENDS
Released by Kaye Calder, Police Public Affairs, mobile 021 192 2915