‘Saddened, but relieved’
Luke’s family speaks
After four long days Luke Cochrane's family may finally have some closure. And it was all because of his cap. Cochrane was last seen at 10.30 on Saturday night after attending a remembrance function at the Whitianga Fire Station. Cellphone receptors retained the signal of the 19-year-old's cellphone until 11.30pm.
There had been no sign of him until a boatie cruising through a waterway which backs on to several streets — including Aquila Drive — noticed a cap sitting on a fence.
He told police who got it identified as belonging to Cochrane.
That was about 3.30pm yesterday. By 6pm, police national dive squad members found what is believed to be his body, in the water just metres from where the cap was found.
Eastern Waikato police area commander John Kelly said the body was still subject to formal identification but they believe it is Cochrane and his family have been informed and are understandably distraught.
He also clarified that the hat was on the fence after it was found by the property owner, who thought its owner would walk back past and collect it.
Although they are upset, Kelly said the family were thankful for the support by the Whitianga community who had been turning up in droves dropping off food — everything from cakes and slices to chairs and sausages for the barbecue — at the LandSAR base on the outskirts of town.
Local businesses had posted Cochrane's “missing” poster on their front windows, while others were carrying out independent searches. A local dive shop had donated oxygen tanks to the dive squad so they didn't have to bring them up from Wellington, while a five-strong team from Hot Water Beach Surf Lifesaving Club were assisting them.
Cochrane’s family said last night they were “saddened but relieved to have Luke returned to us”.
“The people of Mercury Bay and local businesses . . . have humbled us with their overwhelming kindness and generosity in our moment of need,” they said. “Police and Search and Rescue, along with family and friends and many volunteers who didn't even know Luke — we give you our heartfelt thanks for your love and support.”