1 Oct 2011

Body found at Maruia Falls

6:52 pm on 1 October 2011

Police divers have recovered a body from Maruia Falls in Murchison.

A 39-year-old Christchurch man, Ian Randall, went missing after falling into Maruia Falls at about 5pm on Friday afternoon.

Police says the body, which is believed to be that of Mr Randall, will now be taken to Nelson for formal identification.

He was with a group of 34 people travelling from Christchurch to Nelson for Saturday's game between Australia and Russia when they stopped for Maruia Falls.

Mr Randall was one of several people who jumped a safety barrier at the falls. He slipped down a bank and, despite efforts to save him, disappeared into the lake.

The area was searched without success on Friday using police dogs, kayaks and a helicopter and a police dive team was brought in on Saturday morning to extend the search.

The death has been referred to the coroner.

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