Police have formally identified a man located deceased in a car in the Waikato River last year.

He was Michael Murdoch, aged 44, from Ngāruawāhia, who had been missing since September 2019.

Michael’s body was found in his car in the Waikato River on 13 August 2024, by a company which removes wrecked cars and other hazardous materials from the river.

Formally identifying Michael was a complex and lengthy process, due to having been in the river for a significant period of time.

Michael’s death is being treated as unexplained and has been referred to the Coroner.

Note for media: Michael’s family has requested privacy and do not wish to be contacted by media outlets.

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