Rotorua man dies felling trees

A Rotorua forestry worker was killed on Patiti Island, Lake Rotomahana, on Friday when a tree fell on him, trapping him under water.

He was William Joseph Brown, 54, of Rotorua.

Mr Brown had been working on the island with another forestry worker when the accident happened.

His colleague flagged down a passing launch to raise the alarm.

Police, ambulance, the coastguard and a rescue helicopter were called to the island.

Helicopter pilot Ron Taylor said he winched two paramedics down to the island but bad weather meant he was unable to remain in the area.

Mr Brown's body was found soon after.

Mr Brown and his colleague had been clearing the island of pine trees to allow native vegetation to regenerate.

- DAILY POST (ROTORUA)