Fundraiser launched to support family of Tauranga social worker Jaismon Francis

Jaismon Francis went missing on November 20. Photo / NZ Police

Tauranga and international communities are mourning the death of father and social worker Jaismon Francis, who went missing in Otūmoetai on Thursday.

Tributes to Francis, 38, have been posted online, and a Givealittle page has been set up by the Association of Tauranga Malayalee Aotearoa on behalf of Francis’ family.

The association said on Givealittle that Francis went missing while swimming at a local beach on Thursday night and after extensive search efforts, his body was recovered on November 24.

“This sudden loss has left his family devastated, both emotionally and financially, as they face the urgent costs of repatriation and related arrangements,” it said.

The association said Francis was survived by his wife and 7-year-old son, and had worked as a registered social worker.

It was coordinating support and fundraising for his family, who also faced costs for family travel and funeral expenses.

So far, more than $30,000 has been raised.

“As an association representing the Malayalee community in Tauranga, we are coordinating support for the family and raising funds to ease their burden,” the association said in a Facebook post.

“Your donation, no matter the size, will go directly to assist with repatriation expenses and provide immediate support to the grieving family.”

An earlier post from the association said the family was “in deep shock”.

“… Our entire community shares in their grief during this heartbreaking time. This is a profound loss for all of us."

Dozens of comments offered the family condolences and prayers.

The association has been approached to comment further.

Police have not officially released Francis’ name, but confirmed on Monday a body was recovered from the water near Chapel St in Otumoetai, with formal identification then yet to take place.

Police had previously said he was last seen about 10pm in Otūmoetai on Thursday, and his family were concerned for him.

The search of Tauranga Harbour in that area also included Coastguard, Land Search and Rescue and the Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service search and rescue team.

Police have been contacted for further comment.