Whakaari/White Island eruption death toll rises to 22 as anniversary nears

Thursday, 26 November 2020

Police can confirm a further person has died as a result of injuries suffered from the Whakaari/White Island eruption on 9 December 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, 2020, at an overseas hospital.

Westenfelder died due to medical complications while receiving treatment for injuries he received on White Island.

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His wife, Angelika​ Westenfelder, said the death was “unbelievable”.

“How many months my joyful, sensible and strong husband was fighting for his life,” she said.

“I am thankful to everyone who was thinking of us and helping us during that very hard time.

“He lost this battle and started his last journey in July. It is an irreplaceable loss for our family, his friends and of course for myself. I will always miss you.”

Police passed on their thoughts to Westenfelder’s friends and family.

There were 47 people on the island at the time of the eruption – 24 Australians, nine Americans, five New Zealanders, four Germans, two Chinese, two Britons and one Malaysian.

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 for 11.30am on December 9 at the Mataatua Reserve, Whakatāne.

A smaller ceremony for family and emergency responders is being held inside the Ngāti Awa at Te Mānuka Tūtahi Marae on the same day.

A minute of silence will be observed at 2.11pm.