Teenagers commended for their efforts to save a friend

Police can now formally confirm that the boy who drowned in the Waikato River in Taupo yesterday was David Paul Clark aged 15 from Turangi.

David was a year 12 student at Taupo-nui-a-Tia College.

He was with a group of friends at a popular spot on the river near Unison Park yesterday afternoon. He and four friends had already jumped from a cliff into river. On a second jump with two of the group at approximately 4pm, David got into trouble and failed to resurface.

His body was located about half an hour later but the Police National Dive Team from Wellington was required to safely recover him which they did at approximately 11pm last night.

Senior Constable Barry Shepherd who coordinated the search and rescue operation has praised the attempts by David's friends to help him. "His two friends did a sterling job trying to get to him and should be commended for their efforts.

"These boys were looking out for each other and being careful, but it shows once again how fun can turn to tragedy in an instance. It is easy to be caught unawares and I urge everyone, particularly enthusiastic youngsters, to take extra care."

© Scoop Media

Gordon Campbell: On The 2013 Budget

Among Thursday’s main talking points:

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