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Posted Jan 1, 2021 3:53 PM
Fletcher Wong’s family, who was found deceased by searchers on New Years Eve following his disappearance from R&V, have expressed their sincere thanks to everyone involved in finding him.
The 19-year-old was last seen leaving the R&V site at the Waiohika Estate around 2 a.m. Tuesday morning.
His family and friends raised concerns about his whereabouts later that day and police investigations began.
A nearby search for Grays Bush on Wednesday found no trace of him, and then the search was expanded on Thursday.
More than 150 police officers, ground search and rescue personnel, firefighters, other volunteers, along with family and friends joined the search.
Investigators found Fletcher’s body around 4 p.m. on New Year’s Eve in a drain, under some trees, along Back Ormond Road, west of Snowsill Road, not far from the ‘T’ intersection with State Highway. 2.
Police cordoned off the immediate area around where he was found and conducted an examination of the scene.
“A post-mortem examination will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death,” said Detective Sergeant Major Kevin Ford.
“We will not comment further on the circumstances of Fletcher’s death.
“The matter will be referred to the coroner.”
Fletcher’s mother and father, along with his brother (17) and sister (15), have been in Gisborne since Tuesday.
His father Steve said the family wishes to convey its “sincere thanks” to everyone who helped find their loved one, including the police, search and rescue people, Fletcher’s friends and other volunteers.
He also extended the family’s appreciation to Victim Support, who has been working with them since the tragic outcome.
“They greatly appreciate all that the Gisborne community has done for them,” said Vicki Crosswell of Victim Support.
“They are shocked by what has happened and are working through the process of his loss.
“They will stay in Gisborne until Fletcher’s body is delivered to them.”
About 50 people, many of them friends of Fletcher, joined the family for a gathering at a Wainui residence on New Year’s Day to discuss the loss.
“We understand that there may be other people who have been affected by this tragedy and if any of them need to speak to someone about it, we ask that they call 0800 842846,” said Vicki Crosswell.
Fletcher Wong was a student at the University of Otago.
Police have thanked Rhythm and Vines management and staff, who provided important support and assistance during the search.
“In addition, we would like to thank the police staff and LandSAR volunteers for their hard work during the time Fletcher was missing,” police said.
“We extend our condolences to the Fletcher family.”
Search spokesman Sergeant Greg Lexmond said it was good that they could find the missing teen and return him to his family.
“But we expected a better outcome, and our thoughts are with his family at this terrible time.
“We can only imagine how they feel.”
Fletcher wong
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