A man who was found dead in his ute after being overwhelmed by floodwaters this week has been identified by his family.
Emergency services were called to State Highway 39 between Pirongia and Ōtorohanga on Friday evening after a member of the public located a vehicle submerged in floodwaters.
Man who died in Waikato floods identified by family - Watch on TVNZ+
Pirongia man lost his life while communities are left with broken roads, bridges and drains. (Source: 1News)
"Sadly, one person was located deceased inside the vehicle," police said.
A spokesperson for the family today confirmed to 1News the man who died in the incident was Brent Knowles.
Venturer Fishing Charters Kawhia posted a Facebook tribute on Sunday, saying Knowles was a regular customer.
"Rest in peace Brent," it said.
Knowles' daughter also paid tribute to her dad, writing: "My beautiful dad. You were my world, I loved you so much."
"Life will never be the same. Broken," she said.
Ōtorohanga mayor Rodney Dow told media this afternoon that he did not personally know Knowles but had heard of his character from locals.
“He used to mow people’s lawns around town, he was just an everyday Kiwi," Dow said.
"He was probably just trying to make it home."
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