Man who died in Whangārei river named by police
Tuesday 15 September 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated 
Police have identified 43-year-old Ryan Henry Samson, who died following a water-related incident in Whangārei's Hātea River. His body was found on Port Road on 5 September. The name was released by authorities on Tuesday.
Key facts
4 facts
- Ryan Henry Samson, aged 43, died following a water-related incident.
- The incident occurred in the Hatea River near Port Rd in Whangārei.
- The body was found on 5 September.
- The case has been referred to the Coroner.
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
Ryan Henry Samson, 43, has been named as the man who died following a water-related incident in Whangārei's Hatea River. His body was discovered near Port Rd on Saturday, 5 September.
Police released Samson's name on Tuesday and offered condolences to his friends and whānau. The man was a resident of Whangārei.
The death has been referred to the Coroner. Police have not released further details regarding the incident.
Compiled from reports by Stuff and NZ Herald.