Police have released the name of the teenager who drowned after being swept away while trying to cross a Taranaki river.
Waiwhakaiho River, as seen on 23 January. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin
The body of Jaden Peterson, 17, of New Plymouth was found at 5.25pm, submerged in the Waiwhakaiho River, about 200m from where he was last seen at Merrilands Domain, New Plymouth.
He had been reported missing at 4.40pm and search and rescue, coastguard and surf rescue and the Taranaki rescue helicopter personnel searched for him.
Police said the teenager was attempting to cross the river when he was swept downstream.
They reminded the public all crossings were potentially dangerous, and no-one should cross a river alone.
If in doubt, stay out of the river, police said.
Police at the Waiwhakaiho River in New Plymouth. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin
