Man to face charges over girl's Lake Taupo death

Genevieve Lewis, 9, died after being run over by a boat when she fell waterskiing. Photo / Supplied

A man is to faces charges over the death of a nine-year-old girl run over by a boat after falling while waterskiing on Lake Taupo in January.

Detective Senior Sergeant Todd Pearce said the 33-year-old Wellington man would appear in court tomorrow to face charges over Genevieve Lewis' death.

He said Taupo Police had conducted a lengthy investigation into the January 6 incident before deciding charges should be laid.

Genevieve was water skiing behind her parents' boat at Waipahihi Bay, about 2km south of Taupo's centre, when she fell off her skis.

Her parents were turning their boat to come and get her when another boat coming from a different direction ran over the top of her.

She was taken to shore but died soon after the accident.

The Masterton girl had been staying at her grandparents' bach with her family for her Christmas and New Year holiday.

Mr Pearce said the 33-year-old man would face one charge under Maritime Transport Act relating to dangerous activity of the boat causing unnecessary danger to others.

"He has been advised through his legal counsel that this is the case, and he will be making his first appearance in the Taupo District Court on Tuesday morning - 21st April 2009."

Mr Pearce said the man had not yet been named as it was unclear whether he would seek name suppression.

- NZHERALD STAFF