Police name driver whose car plunged into Avon River

The Avon near New Brighton Road where a driver died after their car plunged into the river. Photo / NZ Herald

Police have released the name of the man who died when his car ran into the Avon River early on Christmas Eve.

He was Daniel James Mercer, a 20-year-old from Christchurch.

Police say he lost control of his car while driving along New Brighton Road about 4 am on Saturday morning.