Soldier missing in Manawatū River

The story so far

A man fell into the Manawatū River near Ahimate Reserve in Palmerston North on a Saturday afternoon while walking his dog, and did not resurface.^{16 Nov 2024} He was later reported to be a New Zealand Army member, and emergency services, including the Police National Dive Squad and search and rescue staff, searched for him.^{18 Nov 2024} The soldier, who was based at Linton, had fallen into the water while attempting to rescue his dog.^{21 Nov 2024} His body was recovered from the river on the Wednesday evening.^{21 Nov 2024} The Chief of Army described the soldier as an outstanding and talented young man.^{21 Nov 2024}

Latest

The soldier's body was recovered from the Manawatū River on Wednesday evening.^{21 Nov 2024} The Chief of Army paid tribute to him as an outstanding and talented young man.^{21 Nov 2024}

Key moments

1. 16 Nov 2024Search begins for man who failed to resurface in Manawatū River.
2. 18 Nov 2024Missing man identified as Army member; Police National Dive Squad joins search.
3. 21 Nov 2024Soldier's body recovered from river after he fell in trying to rescue dog.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.