Balloon crash - names released
January 8, 2012, 5:10 pm
Police are now able to release the names of the 11 people believed to have been on board the hot air balloon which crashed in Somerset Road, Carterton shortly before 7:30am yesterday morning.
Wairarapa Area Commander Inspector Brent Register says Police wish to extend their heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased.
"Yesterday's fatal crash is not only a tragedy for the people of Carterton and the wider Wairarapa community, but for the whole of New Zealand, who are also mourning the loss of these victims. We will continue to support the families of the deceased as they begin to deal with their grief."
Those believed to have been on board the hot air balloon are as follows:
- Hot air balloon pilot Lance HOPPING, aged 53 of Carterton.
- Husband and wife Howard and Diana COX of Wellington. Howard was aged 71 years and Diana 63.
- Husband and wife Desmond and Ann DEAN of Masterton. Ann was aged 65 and Desmond aged 70.
- Cousins Valerie BENNETT, aged 70 of Masterton and Denise DELLABARCA, aged 58 of Paraparaumu.
- Partners Stephen HOPKIRK, aged 50 and Belinda HARTER, aged 49 years, both of Lower Hutt.
- Johannes JORDAAN, known as Chrisjan, aged 21 of Wellington and girlfriend Alexis STILL, aged 19, also of Wellington.
A further two bodies have been removed from the scene this afternoon. The remaining bodies are expected to be removed from the scene tonight and tomorrow.
Inspector Register says the Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) process to formally identify all of the eleven victims will take several days to complete
For media queries, please contact Victoria Davis, Wellington Police District Communications Manager on 0274 373 020
