Emergency services received a number of calls just before 5pm yesterday reporting a woman and two children who were in trouble while swimming at Haumoana River Mouth.
The woman failed to surface after the children were retrieved from the water. Police and Search and Rescue teams were deployed but were unable to find her. The search resumed this morning and she was located deceased at Haumoana Beach at 6.35am.
She was Amy Jenny Brown, a 35-year-old woman from Taupo.
Hawke’s Bay Callout Squad coordinator from Surf Living Saving NZ, Jess Bennett says, "It is a tragic incident and our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time. While the location isn’t coastal and doesn’t have a patrol location, local lifeguards are familiar with the area and the risks it poses, she says."
Police also extends their thoughts to Amy's family and friends.
The Coroner has been advised.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre