Four quake victims will never be identified

The four victims of the Christchurch earthquake who will never be identified all died in the CTV building. Photo / Geoff Sloan

The families of four Christchurch earthquake victims will never receive any remains of their loved ones, the chief coroner and police have announced.

Acting chief coroner Gordon Matenga and police inspector Mark Harrison today announced all work to identify the remaining victims of the 22 February Christchurch earthquake had been completed.

Four people remained unidentified. All of them were in the Canterbury TV building, which was gutted by fire after it collapsed.

Mr Matenga said any traces of DNA from the remaining victims had been destroyed the fire.

"Despite extensive and exhaustive efforts we have been unable to return any remains of their loved ones to these families but we have been able to issue inquest findings that will help them complete the formalities required."

Mr Harrison said police had been meeting with victims' families since February to inform them of efforts to identify their loved ones.

"I sat with these families last week and explained to them that we have been unable to do so."

He said a memorial would be set up to honour those that remained unidentified.

Those that are unidentified:

# Shawn Lucas, 40, of Christchurch
# Rhea Mae Sumalpong, 25, of Philippines (Australian resident)
# Elsa Torres De Frood, 53, of Peru (NZ resident)
# Valeri Volnov, 41, of Russia (NZ resident)