Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com
A 36-year-old woman who jumped into the Ōtara River near Ōpōtiki while fleeing police has been found dead, bringing a tragic end to a major search operation.
Police confirmed the woman’s body was recovered on Tuesday afternoon near Moutohorā (Whale Island), north of Whakatāne, after it was discovered in the water by a member of the public.
Inspector Phil Gillbanks said the woman had been formally identified as the person who entered the river early Sunday morning after fleeing from police alongside a 33-year-old man. Her death will be referred to the Coroner.
“Police would like to thank our partner agencies, searchers, and the community for their efforts to return her to whānau,” Gillbanks said. “Our thoughts are with her whānau at this time.”
The Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) has been notified, which is standard procedure in incidents involving police pursuits.
Coastguard Whakatāne volunteers assisted police with the recovery after Coastguard’s National Operations Centre received the initial report from a member of the public. A Coastguard spokesperson acknowledged the difficult nature of such operations and said support was being provided to the volunteers involved.
The incident began shortly after 4am on Sunday when police attempted to stop a vehicle. The vehicle allegedly failed to stop, and a short time later the occupants fled on foot from Snell Road near the Ōtara River. Both entered the river, prompting an extensive search effort.
On Tuesday, police located the male occupant at an address in Gisborne and arrested him. He was due to appear in Gisborne District Court facing multiple charges, including dangerous driving and failing to stop for police.
The woman’s death marks a sad outcome to a case that drew significant attention across the Eastern Bay of Plenty, with police, emergency services and community members involved in the search efforts over several days.
