Drowning victim a local lad

Castlecliff Beach, near where Jordan James Marshall drowned on Christmas Day.

The 17-year-old who drowned at Castlecliff on Christmas Day was Jordan James Marshall, of Whanganui.

Police released the name of the young man yesterday after his body was found on Sunday night.

Police said he was found just north of where he went missing.

On Friday afternoon, Jordan and his girlfriend were swimming beside one another at Castlecliff Beach when he was caught in a rip. His partner noticed he was in trouble and tried to raise the alarm.

It is understood he quickly disappeared beneath the water's surface and was not spotted again.

A candlelight memorial was due to be held at the beach yesterday at 8pm, a Castlecliff resident said.

A young woman, who identified herself as Jordan's girlfriend on her Facebook page, posted a tribute to him.

"My biggest fear was losing you, the hardest thing is to try move on, the scariest thing is to try live without you," she wrote.

"But you are my hero, that is why I am still here today.

"I'll make sure people know that you never passed in vain, but for them to know you passed away a hero.

"[I'll] make sure that everyone knows my boy. You are now in the safe arms of God and your destiny will therefore carry on another journey. Loved [by] many and will be missed by many xx I love you Jordan."