Australian police officer dies in rafting accident near Queenstown, New Zealand
Updated
An Australian man who died during a rafting trip in New Zealand's South Island has been identified as 31-year-old Joshua Paroci of New South Wales.
Mr Paroci, a New South Wales police officer, was reportedly with five other Australians on the raft, operated by Challenge Rafting, which overturned on rapids on the Shotover River, north of Queenstown.
In a statement, the company said the raft overturned about 3:45pm on Saturday near the Toilet Rapids at Skippers Canyon.
The company said the rafters followed standard rescue procedures when they were pitched into the water.
Mr Paroci lost his grip on the rescue rope as the raft was being towed to a bank and he was swept through another rapid.
Attempts by paramedics to resuscitate Mr Paroci on the shore failed.
Another member of the same group was injured and received treatment at a New Zealand hospital.
Queenstown Rafting general manager Luke Taylor said he and his staff were devastated by the incident.
"Our hearts go out to our guests and the families of those involved in this. Both our companies wish to offer the group our sincere condolences and ongoing support," Mr Taylor said.
The company voluntarily suspended operations until further notice, and Maritime New Zealand is investigating the incident.
New Zealand Police confirmed Mr Paroci's death in a statement and offered "their condolences to Mr Paroci's family and friends at this difficult time".
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was providing consular assistance to Mr Paroci's family.
NSW Police said Mr Paroci's family had asked for their privacy to be respected.
Topics: accidents, new-zealand, australia
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