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Hundreds of friends and classmates have joined ordinary New Zealanders in mourning the loss of six students and one teacher from Elim Christian College, killed on the Mangatepopo River, in the Tongariro National Park, on Tuesday.
The seven victims were on an expedition with the Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Pursuits Centre when the disaster struck.
Claire Hooten paid this tribute to teacher Tony McClean: "I had the pleasure of teaching with Tony. He is one of the nicest, sincere and most genuine people I have ever met.
Tony loved children and watching them learn and challenge themselves.
Tony also loved his God and I know that teaching at Elim would have been his dream job.
My only peace in this awful tragedy is I know Tony died doing something he loved.
He touched so many people in such a short time. My thoughts are with Tony's family as well as those other families who have lost their treasured and much loved children."
Elim student Chris paid this tribute to his lost friends: I am a current year 12 of Elim Christian College and was at the outdoor pursuits centre when the tragedy occurred.
I lost some friends and even though they are gone their memories are with all of their friends, teachers, acquaintances and most of all their families.
When we heard that the group was missing from Kish Proctor there was near chaos until our teacher and the police told us there was a rescue attempt in progress.
To all the families of our lost loved ones a big hand of faith goes out to you from all of us at Elim Christian College and the East Elim Church.
Steve B. writes: "Tony (teacher) was a friend and former flatmate of mine.
My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected. This is a sad and tragic occurrence.
Those who know God's character will also recognise that many things happen in this world that are clearly not God's will. In my view, this is surely one of them."
Send us your tribute to the seven victims here.
- NZ HERALD STAFF
