Police identify Waikato River body

Joseph Tufoua was last seen jumping into the Waikato River on December 30. File photo / Christine Cornege

Police have identified a man whose body was recovered from Waikato River yesterday.

Joseph Tufoua, 20, of Hamilton, was last seen jumping into the river from Claudelands Bridge on December 30.

He landed a short distance from a surprised jetskier who began searching for him.

Search and rescue personnel and the National Police Dive Squad spent five days searching for Mr Tufoua before a member of the public reported seeing what appeared to be a body floating down river.

Police recovered the body from the water near a park off Anne Street about 2.15pm yesterday.

Acting Senior Sergeant Geoff Blow today said Mr Tufoua's death was not considered suspicious and had been reported to the coroner.

- NZPA