Balloon tragedy plea rejected

LOST: Alexis Still.

Parents of Carterton balloon tragedy victim Alexis Still have been unsuccessful in their plea for the government to change the law around the treatment of victim's bodies.

Viviene and Allan Still approached a select committee earlier this year explaining they had been unable to be with the body of their daughter at the scene of the 2012 tragedy due to legislation that prevents viewing, touching, or remaining with or near a body in coroner's custody.

MPs from the justice and electoral committee addressed the plea with a heartfelt response in a report released on Monday for the Coroners Amendment Bill, but said the legislation will remain unchanged.

"We heard with compassion the anguish that Mr and Mrs Still experienced as they waited at the scene of the accident, unable to identify or be with the body of their daughter," the report said.

"We are advised that the coroner who investigated this case did not recommend any reform in this area.

"We consider that the difficulties encountered by Mr and Mrs Still were specific to the individual case, were unlikely to have broader implications, and could not be remedied by changes to the legislation, although we acknowledge the frustration and anguish that Mr and Mrs Still have suffered as a result of this tragic accident, and extend our sincerest sympathies to them and to those other submitters who have lost family members."