KEY POINTS:
An elderly man drowned attempting to cross a south Canterbury river in his four-wheel-drive vehicle.
It is believed Patrick Joseph Sugrue, 77, of Geraldine, was washed downstream after he misjudged the current when trying to cross the Orari River on Tuesday.
Temuka constable Tim Easton said there was nothing suspicious about the death.
Mr Sugrue lived in the area and was driving a near new vehicle.
The incident was a reminder for all people to be careful when crossing rivers, police said.
- NZPA
