Canterbury Police can confirm that the body recovered from the Port Hills near Christchurch last night has been formally identified as 33 year old Hayden COSSEY.
The death has been referred to the coroner who will determine the cause of death.
Mr COSSEY’s family are understandably upset and are being supported by Police and Victim Support.
Police investigations into the incident are continuing.
Canterbury Police Search and Rescue (SAR) and members from Alpine Cliff Rescue (ACR) carried out a recovery operation in deteriorating weather conditions at a remote and technically difficult location in the Port Hills. The low cloud and inclement weather prevented a helicopter being used so a longer ground recovery was undertaken. The recovery operation was completed successfully at approximately 8.30pm last night (21 December 2014).
Police follow a rigorous process to formally identify the body and ensure that next of kin are fully informed. The identify of a deceased person is only confirmed once both of these processes are completed. Formal identification in this case was completed at mid-morning today.
Canterbury Police extend their condolences to Mr COSSEY’s family and would like to thank the volunteers and public who have helped in the search for him since he was reported missing.
ENDS
Issued by: Lisa-Marie Brooks, District Communications Manager, Canterbury Police District. Mobile: 021 942 404