Name release - person found deceased near Waimakariri River

To be attributed to Detective Inspector Joel Syme: 
 
Police can now release the name of the person whose body was found by a member of the public near the Waimakariri River last week.
 
While formal identification is yet to be completed, Police believe it to be Joel Linwood, who went missing in July of last year at the age of 31.
 
Mr Linwood was reported missing following a crash on Old West Coast Road, Darfield, on 18 July 2021. 
 
He was last seen fleeing the scene of the crash on foot, toward the Waimakariri River.  
 
Police extends our condolences to his whānau and loved ones at this difficult time.
 
ENDS
 
Issued by Police Media Centre.