Rafting tragedy: Mum will never 'ever truly be happy again'

Sam Zarifeh (far left) with sister Kristi, mum Julie, late father Paul and brother Jared. Photo / Supplied

The mother of a young teacher who died after falling from a raft on the West Coast has spoken about his death - which came just days after his father passed away.

Samuel Jacob Zarifeh died after falling from a raft on the Landsborough River yesterday.

The 27-year-old was a physical education teacher and house master at Christchurch Boys' High School.

His father Paul Zarifeh died on November 23 from pancreatic cancer. He was farewelled at a service on November 29.

His mother Julie Zarifeh spoke to the Herald about her immense loss.

"Right now I do not feel, with any conviction, that I will ever truly be happy again," she said.

"To experience both ends of the grief spectrum in a two week period – the very sad but anticipated bereavement of Paul, but then the acute, tragic, shock loss of eldest son Sam – is truly indescribable."

Samuel Zarifeh. Photo / Supplied

Julie Zarifeh said her son was "amazing".

"Sam had a total zest for life, and a warmth and respect for every single person he came across in his 27 years," she said.

"Quite literally the only consolation I have as Sam's mother, and for Jared and Kristi as Sam's remaining siblings is that he passed away doing something that he was absolutely amped about – in the great outdoors and that he will be joining Paul 'up there' to have beersies with Zed."

Zed was Paul Zarifeh's nickname.

Kristi and Jared Zarifeh also paid tribute to their elder sibling.

"Sam, you were an absolutely amazing big brother," they said.

"You were so caring, generous and had a heart full of love.

"You were inspiringly enthusiastic about life, extremely brave, motivated and adventurous. We will never forget our adventures together.

"You and dad will be forever in our heavy hearts, the world is not ever going to be the same without you both here."

The family, including Zarifeh's uncle, Christchurch Crown Solicitor Mark Zarifeh, asked for privacy now as they dealt with their loss and grief.

Samuel Zarifeh had travelled to the West Coast with work colleagues.

He was one of four in the raft when he fell out.

His body was located by helicopter about 45km downstream from where he got into difficulty near Creswicke Flat Hut.

Police are investigating the specific circumstances of Zarifeh's death but said it would be referred to the Coroner.

They confirmed that the occupants of the raft were on a private trip - it was not operated by any other person or company.

Christchurch Boys' High School headmaster Nic Hill released said Zarifeh was "loved" by the school community.

"Our hearts go out to Sam's family, his friends and the wider Christchurch Boys' High Community," Hill said in a statement.

"We are doing everything we can to support those who have been affected including making sure we can get those who were with Sam at the time of the accident back to their families safely.

"Sam's death will be difficult for us all."