Body in river confirmed as missing man's

A body found in the Gisborne's Waimata River yesterday has been confirmed as that of Jonathan George Hunter, who had not been seen since Monday night.

A group of young kayakers spotted the body under the William Pettie Bridge at about 2pm and the identification was confirmed soon afterwards, said Sergeant Greg Lexmond, who had co-ordinated the search after Mr Hunter, 26, was reported missing on Tuesday.

The discovery was made less than a block from his parents' home, where he had been staying since his return from Auckland.

He suffered from depression and his family had been concerned for his safety.

Mr Lexmond said the family wanted to thank the community for all the "support and compassion shown".

Police were not looking for anyone else in relation to the death.

- NZPA