The body of an elderly Roxburgh woman was recovered from the Clutha River near her home yesterday.
Olive Callon (83) was reported missing about noon yesterday and a search began soon after, Central Otago sub area commander Senior Sergeant Ian Kerrisk said.
Central Otago police, volunteer firefighters, Land Search and Rescue, the Coastguard and members of the Roxburgh community took part in the search.
Snr Sgt Kerrisk said he was grateful for the community's help.
The death was not suspicious and the matter had been referred to the coroner.
Victim Support was last night supporting the woman's family.
Gaynor Crabbe, of Roxburgh, a longtime friend of Mrs Callon, described her as a kind woman.
A former hairdresser and hairdressing tutor, Mrs Callon loved her family, especially her late husband Bill, her students and fishing.
Hairdressing had been Mrs Callon's life and passion, Ms Crabbe said.
She had met Mrs Callon, then manager of the New Era Hairdressing College in Dunedin, when she was a hairdressing student aged about 16.
