Shortly after 6.00am this morning Nelson Police were alerted to the body of a middle aged male in the Maitai River off Halifax Street. Police attended the scene a short distance downstream from a footbridge over the river and confirmed the man was deceased. There were no suspicious circumstances.
A bicycle and a small back pack were found nearby.
The body has been retrieved from the water and several witnesses have been spoken to. A Police spokesperson said that while we believe we know the identity of the deceased, we are still in the process of notifying next of kin and completing a formal identification.
While there are no suspicious circumstances we would like to hear from anyone who was in the area this morning and who may have seen the body in the river. This can be done by calling the Nelson Police station on 03 546 3840.
The death has been reported to the Coroner.
Tasman District Command Centre, 03 546 3895
ENDS