Whakaari / White Island: death toll rises to 22 when police confirm Horst Westenfelder succumbed to disaster wounds

The death toll from the Whakaari / White Island eruption last year rose to 22 after police confirmed that another person succumbed to injuries from the disaster.

The death of Horst Westenfelder, 64, occurred on July 2 at a hospital abroad, police said in a statement today.

Westenfelder died of medical complications while receiving treatment for the injuries he received on Whakaari / White Island, police said.

“Our thoughts are with Mr. Westenfelder’s friends and family who have requested privacy as they are still coming to terms with the death of their loving husband, father and grandfather,” police said today.

Westenfelder’s wife, Angelika, said her husband began his “last journey” in July.

“It is amazing how many months my cheerful, level-headed and strong husband ‘Horsti’ has been fighting for his life and I am grateful to everyone who thought of us and helped us through that difficult time,” she said.

“He lost this battle and began his last journey in July. It is an irreplaceable loss for our family, his friends and, of course, for me. In loving memory of a full and exciting life,” he said.