Maruia Falls death: Man died trying to rescue friend

Photo / Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter

A man who died trying to rescue a friend who got into difficulty in the water at Maruia Falls on Saturday evening has been named by police.

The body of Darryl Rolton, 54, of Christchurch, was found at the beauty spot, 8km south of Murchison, on Sunday by the police dive squad.

The matter has been referred to the coroner.

Rolton had been missing since he and a friend were sucked down a chute at the falls on Saturday.

The friend, 55, was rescued and flown to Nelson Hospital.

The falls were the scene of another rescue last week.

A Belgian tourist was pulled out of the water by three kayakers.

He was taken to Nelson Hospital with head, neck and spinal injuries, and later transferred to Burwood Spinal Unit.