Man found dead in riverbed named

A man has died after vehicles became stuck in the Kowai River, north of Christchurch.

Police have named the 37 year-old Leithfield Beach resident as Craig Alan Ford.

Police said the body was found about 10am in the Kowai riverbed, north of the city.

Senior Sergeant Peter Cooper said it appeared that a Ford Falcon became stuck in the Kowai River around midnight and another vehicle brought in to pull it out also became stuck.

He said the group of three men began walking back to Leithfield Beach but became separated in the dark.

Two of the men made it back but Mr Ford was last heard from at about 2am.

Mr Cooper said the death will be referred to the Coroner.

-NZ HERALD STAFF