KEY POINTS:
A body found near a river mouth in North Otago this morning has been identified as that of missing Alaskan man Sean Lawson.
Mr Lawson, who held dual New Zealand and United States citizenship, had been visiting a family member in Oamaru on Saturday but had not been seen since.
Police launched a search for the 20-year-old after his car was found near the edge of the river mouth early on Sunday.
His body was found on the beach near the mouth of the Kakanui River, about 7am today, Senior Constable Darrin Low said.
The death had been referred to the coroner and police would be assisting with any ongoing inquiries.
Anyone with information about Mr Lawson's movements, or his white Subaru Legacy station wagon, around the Kakanui area on Saturday was asked to contact police.
- NZPA
