Man named after body found in Hokitika River

Police have identified the body of a young man who died after an incident at a West Coast river at the weekend.

He was Solomone Tuitalau, of Christchurch.

It is believed the 23-year-old fell from rocks while preparing to jump into the water at the Hokitika Gorge and failed to resurface on Saturday. 

Police were first alerted to the emergency near Whitecombe Valley Rd on Sunday about 12.50pm and searched until dark.

A team including Search and Rescue personnel, Department of Conservation staff and a jet boat resumed looking for the man at 8am on Monday.

His body was found in the Hokitika River.

Police have thanked all those involved in the search. 

The death would be referred to the Coroner.