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The school of the South Taranaki teenager who was found dead with his father on Monday asked families to keep an eye on their children after the “tragic news.”
The bodies of Regan Frost-Lawn, 15, and her father, Stephen John Frost, 55, were discovered by police after officers were called to a home on Manawapou Rd, Hāwera, around 2.50 a.m. Monday.
A homicide investigation was launched and a 21-year-old man has been charged with his murder.
In a letter sent to the Hāwera High School community this week, Principal Rachel Williams confirmed that Frost-Lawn was among her students.
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“Our hearts go out to all those affected by this tragic news,” the letter said. “At this stage we do not know more details and speculation at this point is not useful.”
SIMON O’CONNOR / Things
The flowers had been placed at the house on Manawapou Rd on Monday.
Williams asked parents to reach out to their children, as they may need additional support.
“Teens are more likely to be at risk right now, so keep in mind where your child is,” she wrote.
“There will be additional support for those students who need it.”
The director directed anyone in need of free and confidential support to contact Youthline (0800 376 633, free text 234, youthline.co.nz) or by calling / texting 1737.
“As a school, we have been receiving support from the Ministry of Education and we will continue to access it as long as we need it.”
SIMON O’CONNOR / Things
On Wednesday, police said the investigation into the deaths was ongoing, including examining the scene at the Hāwera property where the bodies were found.
Williams’ letter stated that the start of school routines would remain in place as they “provide structure and support to our students during this time.”
On Thursday, he said he did not want to say anything more about the 15-year-old because the school had not yet spoken with the family.
On Thursday, a spokeswoman for the family said it had been a difficult week for everyone.
“The family is grieving right now,” he said. “They were beloved members of the family.”
In an emailed statement, Frost-Lawn’s father’s employer, Fonterra, said he was a “valued member of the team.”
SIMON O’CONNOR / Things
A 21-year-old man, who has provisional name deletion, has been charged with his murder and is scheduled to reappear in New Plymouth Superior Court on February 9.
“We were saddened to hear about the tragic loss of Stephen Frost,” Fonterra Lower North Island Chief Operating Officer Tony Maclean said in the statement.
“Our thoughts go out to his family, friends and team members, whom we support during this sad time.”
Maclean said Frost joined the team at the beginning of the season and “was passionate about driving tanker trucks.”
Police officially released the names and ages of the two who died on Wednesday.
SIMON O’CONNOR / Things
Police said they would not release any details of how the couple died, as the matter was now before the courts.
The murder defendant is due to reappear in New Plymouth Superior Court on February 9 after being placed on remand after appearing in New Plymouth District Court on Monday.
A police spokeswoman said the investigation into the deaths was ongoing, including an examination of the scene at the Hāwera property where the bodies were found.
He said autopsies on the bodies, which began Tuesday, had been completed.
The police, however, did not release any details of how the couple died, as the matter was now before the courts.
