Karla Mathews and Richard Elzer are among those missing after the eruption at Whakaari/White Island. Photo / Facebook
Karla Mathews and Richard Elzer are among those missing after the eruption at Whakaari/White Island. Photo / Facebook
Crowdfunding pages have been set up to help with costs for those affected by the tragic events on Whakaari/White Island on Monday.
The eruption came without warning and spewed toxic gas, steam and ash into the air while 47 people were still on the island, most of them tourists.
Thirty-ninepeople were taken off the island, many with critical injuries. Six of those people are now confirmed to have died.
Another eight people are still missing and are presumed to have been killed in the eruption. Their bodies have not been recovered.
Among those missing are Karla Mathews, 32, and her partner Richard Elzer, 32, of Coffs Harbour in Sydney. They and a friend, Jason Griffiths, were on the Ovation of the Seas cruise ship and went to Whakaari for the tour.
A GoFundMe page set up by Benjamin Moncelet as a "relief fund" for Mathews and Elzer says the pair have been lost in tragic circumstances and the family is grieving.
The Herald has not been able to verify whether the page is genuine.
"Most of you will have seen the disastrous events unfold on the volcanic White Island of New Zealand," it says.
"Tragically we have lost our dearly loved Karla and Richard to an almost incomprehensible circumstance of nature, time and place.
"While their families and loved ones take the time to process and grieve, we are hoping to raise some money in an effort to support their return and process the aftermath.
"Anything you can donate is greatly appreciated and updates will be made here in due time."
