12 Oct 2013

Body found in caravan likely Queenstown man - police

8:08 am on 12 October 2013

Police say they now believe a body found in a caravan in Cromwell, Central Otago is that of missing Queenstown man Simon James Garrick.

Detective Sergeant Derek Shaw says the body has yet to be formally identified, but items found at the scene strongly indicate that the body is that of Mr Garrick.

Simon James Garrick.

Simon Garrick in 2012. Photo: NZ POLICE

He says distinctive items of clothing and also one document were found which have been passed on to the coroner.

Mr Shaw says the circumstances of the death do not appear to be suspicious, and the incident is being referred to the Coroner.

Police say the caravan's owner found the body on Thursday morning while checking the van for the first time in more than a year, and immediately contacted the police and camp staff.

A post-mortem will be carried out on Monday and final identification still be some weeks away.

Simon Garrick has not been seen since October last year. Police launched a homicide inquiry in May and in September posted a $20,000 reward.

Mr Shaw says the remains have been in the caravan for months.