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Body of instructor found

An Air Force helicopter yesterday found the body of an R.N.Z.A.F. instructor who disappeared after a raft capsized on the Waimakariri River. He was

Flight Sergeant Leslie Fearon Smith, aged 33, of 13 Paterson Avenue, Hal swell.

Flight Sergeant Smith was one of two men swept into the river on Wednesday, when their rubber raft apparently hit a rock during field exercises in the gorge. The other man reached shore safely. An air and river search was cancelled late on Thursday afternoon because of heavy rain, low cloud, and' flood-waters. Two Sioux helicopters; resumed the search early; yesterday morning and: found Flight Sergeant Smith’s; body about 25km down-J stream from where the' accident occurred. It was flown to the Wigram base, and arrived shortly after 10 am.

An official inquiry began yesterday afternoon, and is expected to continue for three or four days, including Saturday and Sunday.

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Permanent link to this item

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19761211.2.34

Bibliographic details

Press, 11 December 1976, Page 6

Word Count
151

Body of instructor found Press, 11 December 1976, Page 6

Body of instructor found Press, 11 December 1976, Page 6