Body of Solo Tramper Found in Nelson Lakes National Park, New Zealand

The body of a tourist who died in the Nelson Lakes National Park, New Zealand was found in the snow near an alpine route, reports Stuff. The man, whose name has not yet been released, had been on a solo trip in the Mt. Robert range, near St Arnaud.

The officer in charge of Tasman police search and rescue, Sergeant Malcolm York, said the alarm was raised late on Saturday by a friend of the man. The tramper (a local term for a person who walks for long distances in rough country for recreation) had arranged to meet the friend on Friday. He began his trip on Wednesday, July 11.

York said police prepared for the operation on Saturday night and sent in a team of 12 searchers by helicopter on Sunday morning. Around 9.30 am searchers flying the route saw an object of interest in deep snow not far off the Mt Robert ridge route (5,413-feet), which is marked by poles. They landed and discovered the man’s body soon after.

Sergeant York said police were still working to formally identify the man, and to discover what had happened. The case would be referred to the coroner.