River victim ‘kind and gentle soul’
The young woman swept to her death when floodgates opened on the Waikato River was an Auckland student with an infectious smile that could “cheer anyone up”.
Police last night named 21-year-old Rachael De Jong as the victim of Monday’s river tragedy.
She was swimming with a group of friends in the river when the Aratiatia Dam floodgates opened. Four of the group were swept away and only three made it back to shore.
De Jong’s body was later recovered from a rockpool.
Her brother Daniel De Jong last night posted a moving tribute to his beloved sister on social media.
“Yesterday I lost one of the most important people in my life, my wonderful sister. Not only was she an inspiration to us all, she was my best friend, and the most perfect sister I could’ve ever asked for.
“I can’t even begin to describe how much I’m going to miss you, and how incredibly unfair it is that you have been taken far, far too soon. You never spoke a bad word of anyone, and you had such an infectious smile that could cheer anyone up . . . I love you so much Rachael, rest easy”.
With the post was a black and white image of him cuddling her.
Other tributes also reflected a friendly and happy young woman who would be missed by many.
One person described her as “the kindest and most gentle soul”.
“Rest in peace sweetie, you’ll Rachael De Jong of Auckland drowned in the Waikato River. always be remembered for the kindness and happiness you brought.”
Taupo Sergeant Shane McNally said he understood the group had been visiting Taupo for the weekend. They had met at the Flochella music festival on Lake Taupo the day before and then decided to stop at the dam for a swim the next day. Some of them had swum there in the past.
The dam’s floodgates open several times a day and each time a siren sounds before the water is released.
Taupo’s mayor, David Trewavas, told the Herald he had spoken to the dam’s operator, Mercury Energy, which is reviewing its safety procedures after the drowning, and it appeared not much more could have been done to prevent the death.
“It’s an absolute tragedy what’s happened but it sounds like the systems were in place . . . it’s one of those unfortunate things.” He was a Devonport superstar, and Benjamin the cat will be remembered in death at a celebration of his life on Thursday. The much-loved Devonport Library cat died aged 17 late last month. It is understood he died after being run over.
Benjamin had made his home at the library for more than a decade, first at the former library building and then in the new building.
The celebration of his life will begin at 6pm on Thursday in the reserve behind the library, and will take place “rain or shine”, according to a public notice.
Sue Parr, Devonport Library’s manager, said Benjamin will be greatly missed by the library and the wider Devonport community.
“If he wasn’t at the library, he could often be found visiting the local chemist, the bank or one of the many cafes.
“We will all miss him dearly.”