The body of a man recovered from the Waikato River in Hamilton this morning Tuesday 27 has been identified as being that of a Tongan male reported missing on Saturday 25.
Police says the 23-year-old Hepisipa Tupou tried to swim across the river near Jellicoe Drive on Saturday night when he found himself in difficulties. Attempts from a family member to save his life was unsuccessful.
Police recovered the body after calls from the public shortly after 7am Tuesday 27 .
Shift Manager, Acting Senior Sergeant Martyn Hughes, said: “On behalf of the New Zealand Police I would like to express our sympathies to the family of 23-year-old Hamilton man, Hepisipa Tupou.
“Mr Tupou was reported missing on Saturday after getting in to dificulties while swimming as he tried to cross the Waikato River. His loss is a timely reminder to swimmers to ensure they do not venture into activities outside their capabilities while in streams, rivers, lakes or in the ocean.”
