Missing disabled man found dead

Search parties check out bush near where Lewis Munro's body was found. Photo / Sarah Ivey

The search for the intellectually disabled man missing in King Country bush ended sadly last night when his body was found near a stream.

Lewis Munro's body was discovered by ground searchers in dense blackberry bush, about 10m from the Mangaokewa Stream, just after 6pm.

The 51-year-old had disappeared with another intellectually disabled man - who was later found alive - after the pair walked away from a group of nine during an IHC outing on Monday afternoon.

Police spokesman Andrew McAlley said last night that initial indications showed no suspicious circumstances relating to the death, which had now been referred to the coroner.

IHC chief executive Ralph Jones said he did not have any information last night of the circumstances surrounding Mr Munro's death but an investigation was under way.

"Our sincere condolences go to Mr Munro's family," he said.

"Given the outcome of this tragedy, IHC will commission an independent investigation of the case, the terms of reference of which will be decided in the next few days."

On Monday, Mr Munro and Alfred Jonakait, 53, disappeared from their group during an afternoon outing through the Mangaokewa Scenic Reserve, off State Highway 30.

The pair were discovered missing about 5pm when the group left the bush at an area known as the Viaduct.

A search was launched and Mr Jonakait was found at 9pm.

Police said last night that Mr Munro's body was found about 2km from the last known sign of him - a footprint. He was also upstream from the Mangaokewa Reserve, indicating he was moving away from the entrance.

Sean Stowers, northern region general manager of the service arm of IHC, travelled from Auckland to Otorohanga yesterday to monitor the situation for the organisation and find out how the pair disappeared.

Monday's walk and picnic in the bush were supervised by one caregiver, who was in charge of eight intellectually disabled people from Idea Services, a community-based branch of IHC based in Otorohanga. Idea Services provides residential care and vocational exercises.

Mr Stowers would not say whether correct procedures were followed or if adequate supervision was provided.

He hoped to have his inquiry wrapped up quickly and would reveal the outcome as soon as possible.

It is understood Mr Munro had the intellectual ability of a young teenager.