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Home / Waikato News

Death of man found in Waikato River no longer being treated as homicide

NZ Herald
8 Feb, 2024 05:37 AMQuick Read

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Supermarkets trial facial recognition, crews work through the night on huge waste facility fire and benefit recipients expected to stay on payouts for longer in the latest NZ Herald headlines. Video / NZ Herald / Getty

Police say they are no longer treating the death of John Wirihana Isaac as a homicide after his body was discovered in the Waikato River last month.

The 53-year-old’s body was discovered in the river near the Ngaruawāhia boat ramp on the evening of January 18 by a person passing by in a boat.

Police initially believed Issac had suffered multiple injuries in a “violent death”.

Today, Detective Inspector Darrell Harpur said police were no longer treating the death of Isaac as a homicide.

John Isaac was found dead in the Waikato River on January 18. Photo / Police
John Isaac was found dead in the Waikato River on January 18. Photo / Police
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“Following further inquiries, including the post-mortem examination, police do not believe his death is suspicious,” Harpur said.

“Police would like to acknowledge the significant public support shown following the death of Mr Isaac and to thank everyone who has come forward with information during the investigation. The matter is now before the coroner.”

Isaac was found about 7pm by a group of people who had taken a boat to the river near Ngāruawāhia, Detective Senior Sergeant Ross Patterson said previously.

His funeral was held in Porirua on January 24.

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