Waikato Police working to recover body from King Country bush

Body of man missing in King Country located

The family of a man missing in bush in the King Country since Monday have addressed assembled searchers to express their gratitude following the locating of his body earlier today.

Sergeant Phil Bell of the Waikato Search and Rescue Squad said the body of 63-year-old Leslie WRIGHT was located in bush about 5km from where his car had been found.

"It is anticipated that it will take about two hours to recover Mr WRIGHT'S body from where he was found, though tragic that he has lost his life it is reassuring to the large team involved that he was found in the area of interest identified which reinforces that the right tactics and skills were being used.

"Members of Mr WRIGHT'S family present at the operational base have addressed assembled search members to express their gratitude for all the efforts taken on their behalf and explained his love for the bush and passion for the environment."

Mr Bell said looking at the terrain the family said they could understand what would have attracted Mr WRIGHT to visit on Monday and also had an appreciation of just how challenging a search would have been.

"Given the considerable size of the search team and distances travelled by Land Search and Rescue volunteers it is appropriate that we join the family in recognising their efforts.

"Time and time again these volunteers put their hand up to deploy to aid people in need, often in conditions where others are turning back. These unpaid and often unsung members of various communities, and their families and employers are due high praise indeed."

Mr WRIGHT'S death is not considered suspicious and has been reported to the Coroner.

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