An 83-year-old man died after he fell into the Marokopa River, about 62km west of Te Kuiti in Waikato yesterday.
Emergency services were called about 7.10pm, when it was reported the man, who had been drinking, had gone to the toilet and fallen into the river, Sergeant Warren Shaw said.
"He was swept away down towards the river mouth. There is no cell phone coverage in this area and the man's wife had to raise the alarm at a nearby home."
Mr Shaw said given the isolated location it took some time for emergency services to arrive. In the meantime, local residents came out to help and recovered the man's body.
"While those responding were unable to prevent the man's loss of life their being able to recover his body means there is some closure for his bereaved family. Police would like to acknowledge the actions of those involved."
The man's death has been referred to the coroner.
- NZPA
Man dies after falling into river
Members of the public recovered the man's body before emergency service arrived. Photo / APN
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