1News

Police identify woman, 66, swept away by West Coast floodwaters

March 27, 2019

A former rail bridge on the Arahura River near Hokitika (file picture) (Source: 1 NEWS)

A woman died on the West Coast, north of Hokitika, after being swept away by floodwaters this morning.

Police have this afternoon named the woman as Gloria Reardon-Hirst, 66, of Arahura valley.

Police say she appears to have got out of her vehicle and tried to cross the road on foot.

She was swept away by strong flowing surface flooding on Arahura Valley Rd.

1 NEWS reporter Sam Clarke was at the scene at Franz Josef. (Source: Other)

Her body was found about 9.19am today.

Police say her death will be referred to the coroner.

Wild weather has been battering the West Coast. (Source: Other)

New Zealand West Coast

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