Devastated family relay their thanks
Alex Fisher’s family is gathering from around the country and Australia to honour the 10-year-old whose body was found on Waitarere Beach in Horowhenua on Thursday.
Describing Alex as a ‘‘beautiful young man’’, the Fisher family made what they said was their only statement on Friday.
‘‘As you can imagine, we are devastated by the sudden loss of a beloved son, brother, grandson, uncle, nephew, cousin, a classmate and friend to many, fellow Scout and the wider community.
‘‘We have been overwhelmed by the huge outpouring of support from the police, search and rescue, armed forces, Waitarere Beach and Horowhenua community and the many volunteers,’’ the family said.
‘‘We have also appreciated everyone who has donated food, money, time and prayers. It is really appreciated and has shown the family how terrific our local community and country as a whole really is.’’
The family said it had a long association with Waitarere Beach. ‘‘Alex’s grandmother lived there for over 27 years. The family have had many lovely and memorable occasions at the beach.’’
Alex was last seen on Monday evening in the township of Waitarere Beach. After a three-day search a body was spotted there by a search helicopter on Thursday.
‘‘Items of interest’’, which police would not elaborate on, were found.
While the body is believed to be that of Alex, formal identification, along with an autopsy, were to be carried out on Friday, Detective Senior Sergeant Neil Forlong said.
A homicide investigation has begun. About 20 investigators are working on the inquiry, which will continue over the weekend.
Forlong said although it was a homicide investigation, police were ‘‘keeping an open mind’’ about what had occurred.
‘‘We are, however, building a good picture of the events which led to the boy’s death and it is important for the community in Waitarere to know that we do not believe there is any wider risk involved.’’
Forlong said there was some ‘‘speculation and rumour’’ regarding the events of the past few days.
‘‘The purpose of the investigation is to establish the facts and methodically gather all the information and evidence needed.
‘‘We are mindful that the community is very shocked at the events of this week.
‘‘We will obtain all the infor- mation we need for the coronial process and any possible judicial process which may follow, and ultimately establish the facts for the family and wider community,’’ he said.
Horowhenua deputy mayor Garry Good said Alex and his family were well known by locals, and Alex had been described as a ‘‘very friendly, outgoing little boy, quiet, but active in the community in terms of Scouts and other activities’’.
Frank Taylor, owner of the Four Square where Alex was captured on security cameras with brother Eric on Monday night, said the town was somewhere children previously felt safe.
‘‘Then something like this happens and it knocks your confidence.’’
Ohau School principal Kathy Trevena-Brown said the school community had ‘‘lost a lovely member of its family’’.
A man in his 20s appeared in the Levin District Court on Wednesday charged with illegally possessing a knife in a public place on Tuesday night.
Police will not answer questions about this arrest.
The location of the alleged offence was Forest Rd, Waitarere, where the search for Alex had been under way.
A Givealittle page has been set up to help Alex’s family. It reads: ‘‘Let’s help Alex Fisher’s family during this absolutely tragic time. Nothing can bring their boy back but we can try to ease their load.’’