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Police had been asking for help finding the missing Christchurch woman, Marni Sheppeard.
Searchers looking for the missing tramp Marni Sheppeard have located human remains on the west coast.
The remains were recovered in the area of the Rolleston River, near Otira, and taken to Christchurch for the official identification process.
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“While an official identification process has not yet been completed, we believe the remains are those of Ms. Sheppeard,” said Sergeant Major Mark Kirkwood, West Coast Search and Rescue Leader.
His relatives in Australia had been informed, he said.
POLICE / SUPPLIED
Police search teams scour the West Coast area of the Rolleston River, where human remains believed to be missing homeless Marni Sheppeard were recovered Saturday.
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“Obviously, this is not the result we expected, but pending confirmation, it will bring closure to Ms. Sheppeard’s family and friends.”
Sheppeard’s mother, Ailsa Sheppeard, said she was waiting for the DNA results, but was too upset to comment further.
He had only heard that his daughter was missing in February.
The last contact he had was a postcard sent with a photo of Hanmer Springs that read, “I hope everything is okay.”
Sheppeard was officially reported missing in January, however, she was last heard from on November 19, 2020, when she posted a photo of herself on Twitter saying she was “in the mountains.”
Investigations were carried out and information was requested from the public.
In March, a member of the public gave police a “book of intent” entry at Waimakariri Falls Hut, dated November 11, 2020.
POLICE / SUPPLIED
Police search teams during their search in the Rolleston River area on the west coast.
“It had the name of Mrs. Sheppeard and it suggested that she was probably heading to Waimakariri Col, Rolleston River or Hunts Creek.”
A helicopter with observers on board searched the area and then a team of drones from Urban Search and Rescue flew through the area recording images that were analyzed.
“Nothing significant was observed, however, several areas of interest were identified that assisted in the planning of the onshore operation.
“The search area contained high alpine and bush areas, gorges with waterfalls and rock fields, which was going to be a challenge for the search teams.”
CARYS MONTEATH / Things
Marni Sheppeard, left, was rescued with her friend Sonja Rendell in 2003 after they were stranded at Arthur’s Pass.
Three field teams that included volunteers from LandSAR and the police, two teams from CanyonSar, Alpine Cliff Rescue, two police dogs, and a LandSAR dog with their guides were deployed to the area by Precision helicopters.
“We would like to thank the dedicated search teams and members of the public who submitted information,” said Kirkwood.
Sheppeard was previously missing in 2003, when she was stranded on an exposed ridge in Arthur’s Pass National Park for eight days while on a tramp with a friend.
