Missing Masterton man John Rafferty found dead by Search and Rescue team

A Masterton man missing since May 4 has been found dead by a Search and Rescue team this morning.

John Rafferty, 73, was the subject of an extensive search after he was last seen at Masterton Railway Station on Sunday.

CCTV images showed him leaving on foot without boarding a train.

A helicopter assisted in the search for Rafferty, who did not have a cellphone or wallet with him when he disappeared.

Sergeant Anthony Matheson thanked the community volunteers and search crews for their efforts in locating Rafferty.

“This was not the outcome we were hoping for, but I want to thank the community for all their assistance, and the dedication of the search crews who have worked so hard over the past week,” Matheson said in a statement.

The death will be referred to the coroner.

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