Whakaari death toll rises to 22 one year on
Police have confirmed a further person has died as a result of injuries suffered from the Whakaari/White Island eruption on December 9, 2019.
The death brings the official number of deceased from the tragedy to 22.
The man was 64-year-old Horst Westenfelder, who died on July 2 at an overseas hospital. Westenfelder died due to medical complications while receiving treatment for injuries he suffered on Whakaari/White Island.
His wife, Angelika Westenfelder, said the death was ‘‘unbelievable’’.
‘‘Howmany months my joyful, sensible and strong husband was fighting for his life,’’ she said. ‘‘ He lost this battle and started his last journey in July. It is an irreplaceable loss.’’
Police passed on their thoughts to Westenfelder’s friends and family.
There were 47 people on the island at the time of the eruption. Nearly all survivors suffered severe or critical injuries and were treated in hospitals around New Zealand, with Middlemore Hospital ordering 1.2 million square centimetres of skin to treat the wounded.
A public event to remember the tragic eruption has been planned at the Mataatua Reserve, Whakatãne, at 11.30am on December 9.
A smaller ceremony for family and emergency responders is being held inside the Ngãti Awa at Te Mãnuka Tûtahi Marae the same day.