Police probe man's Taupo waterskiing death

Tony Van Deursen. Photo / Supplied

Police are investigating a Hamilton man's death after a Lake Taupo skiing accident.

Cornelius Van Deursen, who was known as Tony, was a respected Waikato businessman and waterski racing champion who was killed competing in the master's class in the national series on Saturday.

The 57-year-old reportedly reached speeds of more than 150km/h on the water before he fell, breaking his neck

Senior Sergeant Tony Jeurissen says police were called to the Three Mile Bay boat ramp at Wharewaka Pt about 11am.

When they arrived, Mr Van Deursen was being attended to by medical staff associated with the speed-skiing event, as well as St John ambulance staff.

"He was transported to Taupo Hospital, but he died later that afternoon."

Mr Jeurissen said police were working to determine the circumstances leading up to the accident.

"At this stage, it appears that the man was speed-skiing behind a boat when he became injured and got into difficulties."

The organisers stopped the event after the accident. Witnesses have since been interviewed as part of the investigation.

Mr Van Deursen died just a few months after his daughter Olivia broke her neck in a similar accident.

The 34-year-old, who holds numerous national waterski racing titles, recovered but will reportedly give up waterski racing.

Waterski racers travel faster than waterskiers, averaging about 150km/h, and wear helmets, goggles and a harness for safety.

Mr Van Deursen is survived by his wife and five children, the youngest aged 4.

- staff reporter