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A hearing held at the Tauranga District Court tonight, January 28, has led to the identification of Mount Maunganui landslide victim Max Furse-Kee.
The 15-year-old pupil at Pakūranga College in east Auckland was killed along with his girlfriend Sharon Maccanico when the campground they were staying at was struck by the landslide last Thursday.
Six people died in the disaster, which impacted the popular Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park at about 9.30am on January 22 following a period of severe weather.
Deputy chief coroner Brigitte Windley oversaw the identification hearing held tonight.
She received evidence from a police senior constable who said Max’s body was located on Monday.
Windley said today would have been Max’s 16th birthday and his body will now be returned to his family.
He was identified through a comparison of dental records as well as his physical characteristics.
Max is being remembered today by the Pakuranga United Rugby Club, which posted a tribute to him on social media.
“We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of one of our Ranga Juniors, Max Furse-Kee, following the tragic Mt Maunganui landslide,” the club says.
“Max was a part of the Pakuranga Juniors family, representing the club with pride across several seasons, before heading to Pakuranga College.
Max will be remembered as a much-loved teammate and a part of our club community.
“Our thoughts are with Max’s family, friends, and teammates at this challenging time.
“He will always be a Ranga Junior. Love always, Your Ranga Family.”
Police are asking anyone with video footage or images of Mount Maunganui before, during, or immediately after the slip to upload it via their online portal. They are particularly interested in imagery showing the campsite and the mountain from Wednesday night (January 21) through to the time of the slip and the immediate aftermath.
