An elderly woman died while out walking her dog in Napier yesterday morning.
Police said the woman was found at Perfume Point, Ahuriri, after members of the public became aware of her dog running loose in the area.
Police were not treating the incident as suspicious and it was understood the woman's death was the result of an accident.
The woman's dog was led away tied to a length of emergency tape, after Police, Napier Fire Service and St John Ambulance staff removed her body from the breakwater beside the boardwalk near Perfume Point.
Asked if the boardwalk was deemed safe in light of the incident, a Napier City Council spokeswoman said: "We are saddened to hear about this woman's death. However, yes, we do consider the boardwalk to be safe."
Hawke's Bay Today's Facebook page was inundated with messages of condolence for the elderly woman last night.
Hastings and Districts Grey Power president Marie Dunningham said this was the second instance of an elderly person being found dead in the city this year.
The body of elderly man found was found with his mobility scooter in an open stormwater drain in Napier in April.