Police trace movements of man found in river

Police are appealing for information about the last movements of a man found deceased in the Waikato River, Taupo on Tuesday (2 June).

Police were notified of the discovery around 12.50pm.

The man was in the water between Huka Falls and the Aratiatia Dam, approximately 500 metres and 1km upstream of the dam.

He was recovered from the river by police and then late yesterday, following a post mortem examination, his identity was confirmed as 45-year-old Oscar Dennis Olsen from Tolaga Bay.

Eastern District Police issued a media release last week appealing for information on the whereabouts of Mr Olsen after his electronic monitoring bracelet was removed while he was in Gisborne.

He had been granted electronic bail by the courts in January of this year.

Mr Olsen’s last known location was Gisborne on Friday, 22 May and police need to ascertain his movements between that date and Tuesday, 2 June.

Police are particularly interested in information about how Mr Olsen got to Taupo.

He has links to Wellington and police can’t rule out that he travelled somewhere else during the 10-day period before reaching Taupo.

There is no suggestion he had a vehicle, so it is possible he hitch-hiked and police want to speak to anyone who gave him a lift during this period.

Enquiries are also being made with transport companies.

Mr Olsen is described as part Maori, medium build and approximately 178cm tall with receding dark hair, sometimes tied back.

Whilst there is nothing at this stage to indicate his death is suspicious; it is important for police to keep an open mind until more details are known of his movements in the week before he was discovered in the river.

Police will not be discussing the outcome of the post mortem examination; those details are a matter for the Coroner.

If anyone has any information that might assist police enquiries into Mr Olsen’s death, they are asked to contact Taupo Police on 07 378 6060.

Information can also be provided anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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