Whakaari/White Island eruption: 19th victim dies in hospital
Tuesday, 10 December 2019
The death toll from the Whaakari/White Island eruption has risen to 21 after another victim died in Auckland's Middlemore Hospital.
Forty-seven people were said to be on the island at the time of the eruption.
The latest victim to die was American Pratap 'Paul' Singh. He died at Auckland's Middlemore Hospital. His wife, Mayuari, was also killed in the tragedy. They are survived by three children.
Two bodies remain missing, but earlier this year police said Australian teenager Winona Langford, 17, and Kiwi tour guide Hayden Marshall-Inman, were presumed dead after they were unable to find them.
They were believed to still be on the island or in the surrounding waters. Marshall-Inman was believed to have died on his way back to help tourists on the island at the time of the eruption.
Police commissioner Mike Bush said they were 'almost fully confident that both [bodies] are in the water, however, we've got one or two things to cover off before we can say that with 100 per cent confidence'.
**READ MORE:
* Whakaari/White Island eruption: Family 'heartbroken' by brothers' deaths
* Whakaari/White Island eruption: Friends mourn loss of Australians killed after eruption
* Whakaari/White Island eruption: Australian family mourn father and stepdaughter
* Whakaari/White Island eruption: Burns tragedy 'unprecedented' as hospital orders skin for grafts
* Whakaari/White Island eruption: Sydney family of four feared dead
* Australian woman located in Waikato Hospital but her husband and daughter remain missing**
The search mission was scaled back in the weeks following the eruption, when the National Police Dive squad ended its operation. Local police patrols continued to monitor the water where they believed the bodies may be found.
On Friday December 13, six bodies were recovered from the island in a New Zealand Defence Force-led operation.
All Australian victims (13) were transferred to Australia for care. Police and the coroner's office released the names of 15 of the 17 confirmed dead.
A previous confirmed death was that of a patient being treated in Sydney's Concord Hospital. As the person died outside New Zealand, police couldn't release their name.
About 100 people were posted as missing by family and friends on the Red Cross Family Links register when it first launched as people tried to locate loved ones who were believed to be on the island.
The Red Cross Family Links list was an unofficial register of those missing and unaccounted for and people were cautioned by the charity that it wasn't 'necessarily accurate'. People were marked as missing until their status was changed to 'I am alive' or they were removed from the list. The Red Cross register was closed and removed on Friday.
Here are some of the victims, people injured and those still unaccounted for:
DECEASED, STILL MISSING: Winona Langford
Seventeen-year-old Winona Langford was one of the victims still unaccounted for.
The Australian girl was travelling on the Ovation of the Seas cruise ship with her family - mum Kristine, dad Anthony, and brother Jesse - prior to visiting White Island on a day tour.
Her parents had since been confirmed dead and her brother was located in hospital with injuries.
Winona was a talented artist who had recently won a major arts prize after drawing a painting of her friend's pet rabbit. The painting was then made into a 3-metre-tall banner, which was erected in the CBD.
DECEASED, STILL MISSING: Hayden Marshall-Inman
Whakatāne man and tour guide Hayden Marshall-Inman, 40, was killed by the eruption. He was the first of six confirmed deaths.
He was believed to have died on his way back to help tourists on the island at the time of the eruption. His brother, Mark Inman, told Stuff: 'He was the last one off the boat, from all accounts, [and] from what I've heard from Tom (the pilot), his footsteps were going back to help on White Island'.
'He was a true hero.'
When news broke that Marhsall-Inman was among those killed, an Australian tourist came forward telling of his previous heroic efforts. In 2016, Brendan Paterson and his son were saved from a burning boat by the tour guide. 'I'm in his debt forever,' the Australian told Stuff.
Former mayor Tony Bonne said he knew Marshall-Inman and his family personally: 'It's very sad that he's lost his life.'
His body was believed to be in the water surrounding the island. Multiple water searches have failed to recover him.
DECEASED: Tipene Maangi
The 23-year-old tour guide was among those killed by the eruption, police confirmed on Sunday. He had only been working for White Island Tours for a few months, but a family member said he loved his job and a friend told RNZ he suited it.
His whānau were initially praying for his return and held a vigil at Whakatāne wharf on Tuesday morning. They then gathered at Te Mānuka Tūtahi Marae to say karakia and were 'holding out hope'.
Maangi's nanny said the young man was a 'jovial person'.
'He was a person that can talk to anybody, he made everybody happy, everybody liked being around him,' Ruka Tawahiorangi said.
RNZ reported Maangi moved to Whakatāne a few years ago to live with his nan.
DECEASED: Gavin Dallow and Zoe Hosking
Police confirmed that two members of the Dallow family from Australia were among the deceased following the eruption.
Gavin Dallow's body had been found and identified. Police confirmed his step-daughter Zoe Hosking, 15, was among the deceased.
Hosking's mother, Lisa Dallow, was originally missing but later located in hospital in Hamilton. She was transferred back to Melbourne, Australia on Thursday night to receive care. Her brother had since travelled to be by her side in hospital. The ABC reported she remained in a critical condition with severe burns.
Gavin's dad, Brian, told the ABC he didn't believe they knew of the dangers associated with the tour.
'I'm pretty well sure they weren't fully informed of the dangers, otherwise he wouldn't have gone.'
The family released a statement saying they were mourning the loss of Gavin and Zoe.
'Gave was a wonderful son and brother. He was a generous man, always helping his family and his community.'
'Our hearts break at the loss of Zoe at such a young age.'
Zoe's school, St Aloysius College in Adelaide, paid tribute to her on social media last week.
'Zoe was a bright, friendly, creative young woman. Zoe put 100% into everything she did and she did it with a smile. We will miss that smile,' the post read.
DECEASED: Martin, Barbara, Berend and Matthew Hollander
Australian teenagers Berend Hollander, 16, and Matthew Hollander, 13, were confirmed dead on Thursday morning. Their father, Martin Hollander, was confirmed dead on Monday morning. Their mother, Barbara, was also recently confirmed dead.
The brothers were being treated at Waikato and Middlemore hospitals, but died from their injuries.
On Friday, Barbara's parents Larry and Norma Noesen said in a statement provided to ABC Eyewitness News Chicago the family was 'grieving the loss of our loved ones'.
'Our amazing daughter Barbara Hollander and our son-in-law Martin Hollander were a wonderful couple and parents to our grandsons, Ben (16) and Matthew (13).'
They were originally reported missing along with their parents Martin, 48, and Barbara, 50.
Australian media reported the children were in year 8 and year 10 at Knox Grammar School in Wahroonga in Sydney's Upper North Shore, the same school their father attended.
Matthew was actively involved in cadets and represented the school in basketball, squash and debating. Berend was 'actively engaged' in sport, with a developing passion for AFL, cadets and baseball.
Barbara, Berend, and Matthew's place of births were listed as Chicago in the United States on the Red Cross website. Martin was the freight initiatives manager at Transport for New South Wales.
DECEASED: Julie and Jessica Richards
On Wednesday, Julie Richards, 47, and her 20-year-old daughter, Jessica, were the first confirmed Australian victims of the eruption. The pair from Brisbane were passengers on the Ovation of Seas cruise ship, a holiday they were extremely excited about.
A family friend said the family was 'united in grief' after hearing confirmation from police.
'You obviously live in hope [that it's] not going to be your loved one's name that comes up, but the hope was snuffed out this morning with the message from the New Zealand police,' John Mickel said.
The pair embarked on a cruise together every year and were set to return to Brisbane this weekend.
Jessica was a veterinary technology student at the University of Queensland and a promising Australian rules football player. Professor Nigel Perkins, UQ School of Veterinary Science's Head of School described Jessica as a 'gifted, compassionate, high-achieving' student.
'Jessica touched the lives of many, and our thoughts are with her family and friends at this most difficult time.'
A vigil was held in Brisbane to remember the two victims and Jessica's AFL club hosted an event with an emotional Māori performance, music and speeches, according to the ABC.
Family spokesperson John Mickel told the Australian media outlet the community 'wanted to show huge support'.
'It is a tremendously sad journey obviously for all the families, but this is a Queensland story, a local story and this is the wa the community wanted to come together.'
DECEASED: Krystal and Paul Browitt
Twenty-one-year-old Krystal Browitt from Melbourne, Australia, was formally named as a victim by police on Saturday. Her father, Paul, who had been taken to hospital in Australia was also confirmed dead.
She was travelling on the Ovation of the Seas cruise ship prior to the eruption with her mum Marie, dad Paul, and sister Stephanie - a holiday they saved hard for, according to a family friend. They were believed to be on the cruise to celebrate Browitt's 21st birthday.
The veterinary student's sister had been transferred back to Australia to receive care, her mother stayed on the cruise ship on December 9. Marie had been by Paul and Stephanie's sides in hospital as they remained in a critical condition.
Paul was confirmed dead on January 13, according to Australian media outlets.
DECEASED: Jason Griffiths
Jason Griffiths, a 33-year-old Woolworths employee from Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia, was rescued from the island on Monday but later died from his injuries in hospital.
His brother-in-law Steve Jarzynski said he was 'hurt pretty bad' and was in a critical condition at the beginning of the week.
But on Wednesday, friends said he had died while 'surrounded by friends and family members'.
His sister and mother had travelled to New Zealand to be with him before he died.
He travelled to the island with Karla Mathews and Richard Elzer, who were also confirmed dead by police.
Friends of the trio released a statement saying they were 'devastated by the news'.
'We are incredibly saddened to have lost three of our closest friends.'
Jarzynski earlier told Stuff that Griffiths, who was interested in science, had been talking about his trip since last year. 'He loved travelling. He loved seeing the world.'
DECEASED: Karla Mathews and Richard Elzer
Richard Elzer, from Coffs Harbour in New South Wales, and his partner Karla Mathews were on the island when the volcano erupted.
Mathews was formally named as a victim by NZ Police on Sunday night. Police confirmed Elzer was also among the deceased.
Friends of the couple and Jason Griffiths, who was rescued from the island but later died in hospital, said in a statement: 'On the 9th of December 2019, we were devastated by the news that three of our friends were visiting White Island on a shore excursion during the time of the eruption.
'Some time later, we discovered that two of our friends, Richard Elzer and Karla Mathews, were still on the island.
'We are incredibly saddened to have lost three of our closest friends'.
DECEASED: Anthony and Kristine Langford
Anthony Langford, 51, was confirmed dead by police on Sunday. His wife, Kristine, 45, was confirmed dead the following morning.
Their teenage daughter, Winona, 17, from Sydney, Australia, was unaccounted for and presumed dead.
Their 19-year-old son, Jesse, was recovering in hospital, according to a Langford family statement sent via Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
A family friend said the local community in Sydney was 'in shock'.
'[It's] just a horrible waiting period really. We're all shattered by it.'
The man, who declined to be named, said his daughter was close friends with Winona and the Langfords were a 'tight-knit' family.
'They're a lovely bunch of people. These guys were always doing stuff together.'
DECEASED: Pratap and Mayuari Singh
Pratap and Mayuari Singh from Atlanta in the United States were hospitalised for their injuries following the eruption but had since been confirmed dead.
On January 29, police confirmed Pratap, or Paul as he was known, died in Middlemore Hospital. His wife was earlier confirmed as one of the victims and died in Middlemore Hospital in December, after battling for 13 days, according to relatives.
Pratap was believed to have suffered burns to more than 50 per cent of his body, his wife had burns to 72 per cent.
They left behind three children - an 11-year-old son and six-year-old twins.
Pau's nephew Bhupender released a statement through New Zealand Police. He said his uncle was an Indian-American entrepreneur who was genuinely kind-hearted and very spiritual.
'My uncle Paul will be remembered as an invincible businessman, a passionate social worker/educator, a transparent decision maker, an event liaison and a celebrated member of the Indian-American community.
'His unmatched exuberance and unconditional love for everyone around him will forever be missed. He was the best father, best guardian, best brother, best uncle, best volunteer and the best friend anyone could wish.'
'My aunt Mary will be remembered as a beloved member of the American-Indian community, a true supermom, a responsible guardian, an ambitious professional, and an endearing friend who enjoyed sharing her culinary expertise and delicious homemade meals.
'She was one of a kind — we love her, we miss her so much.'
INJURED: Jesse Langford
The nineteen-year-old Australian nursing student was reportedly found alive, after original fears he was missing.
Jesse's former school principal Anthony Duncan from Marist College North Shore described the teenager as a 'talented and popular student' who finished his time at the school as house captain.
'Please have the Langford family in your prayers,' Duncan said in a message to parents and carers. The school also offered counselling to students who needed assistance.
A spokesperson from the University of Technology Sydney, where Jesse attended, said the thoughts of the university community were with him and his family. They too encouraged his classmates to seek support from the university.
INJURED: Kelsey Waghorn
Kelsey Waghorn, a Kiwi tour guide on Whakaari/White Island, was badly injured by the eruption.
She was in a critical condition in hospital, in an induced coma.
'She has sustained full thickness burns to 45 per cent of her body. She is having to undergo surgeries every 2-3 days for skin grafts and constant monitoring of her burns,' her aunt Rachel Christie wrote on a Givealittle page.
Waghorn had been a tour guide on White Island for five years.
INJURED: Malaysian national
The lone Malaysian victim of the Whaakari/White Island eruption was critically injured in hospital, not dead as reported by other media, the High Commission for Malaysia said.
The 43-year-old man, who was born in Malaysia but living in Sydney, was expected to be repatriated to Australia. His partner, believed to be a Chinese woman, was badly injured in the eruption. His identity had not yet been confirmed.
INJURED: Jake Milbank
White Island Tours guide Jake Milbank was severely injured in Monday's eruption. He was fighting for his life at Middlemore Hospital's intensive care unit with burns to 80 per cent of his body.
Milbank was celebrating his 19th birthday at the time of the eruption.
A family friend told Stuff she understood the teenager was breathing on his own and his lungs were in a reasonable condition.
'They just have to deal with the burns now and it's going to be a long road to recovery,' Rebecca Holder said.
A Givealittle page had been created to raise money for his recovery.
'This normally passionate energetic young man, who has a love for anything ocean, was in his element when this tragedy occurred,' the description on it read.
INJURED: Stephanie Browitt
Krystal's sister was believed to be in hospital. The Age reported Stephanie were suffering from severe burns. Marie, Stephanie's, was on the cruise ship at the time of the eruption.
Her sister Krystal died in the eruption and her father, Paul, who was taken to hospital with injuries, was later confirmed dead.
Loved ones in Australia weren't able to get in contact with Marie in the days following the eruption, but created a GoFundMe campaign.
INJURED: Newlyweds Lauren and Matt Urey
Lauren and Matt Urey from the United States were on their honeymoon in New Zealand at the time. They were travelling on the Royal Caribbean cruise ship that had docked in Tauranga prior to venturing out on a day tour to the island.
The couple were rescued from the island and rushed to hospital with severe burns, according to Lauren's mother Barbara Barham.
Barham told Stuff on Wednesday her daughter was unconscious and in a 'very serious condition' while her son-in-law was in a 'serious condition but conscious'.
Janet Urey, mother of Matt Urey, told a local news site in the US on Wednesday that he had undergone three hours of surgery and needed further skin grafts, but he was able to talk and take fluids.
She said his worst burns were on his hands but he was burned 'pretty much everywhere', including his abdomen, back, legs and his chin.
INJURED: Ivy Kohn Reed and Rick Reed
Ivy's brother, Marc Kohn, told Stuff the pair were 'lucky to escape alive'.
'We hear about tragedies everyday, and think how awful it is, but it will never affect me or my family. Well the other day we found out that a one in a billion chance hit our family.'
He said they received severe burns from the hot ash and have undergone surgery to clean the wounds but 'they will be OK'. It was understood Rick suffered burns to over 30 per cent of his body with fourth degree burns on his hands, face and right leg. The couple were being moved to an after-care burn unit in Auckland.
'The hardest part is being so far away and not being able to go see them and spend time with them - when they should be surrounded by family during this terrible period in their lives.
Mike said the couple were in 'good spirits' and Rick even 'cracked a couple of jokes on the phone'.
INJURED: James Whitehouse and Madeleine Whitehouse
James and Madeleine Whitehouse, 23 and 24, are understood to be newlyweds from Australia. Initially reported missing, they've since been removed from the Red Cross list.
INJURED: Marion London and Nick London
Marion and Nick London, 56 and 58, from Engadine, Australia, are reportedly in hospital. Marion has critical injuries while Nick has serious hand injuries.
INJURED: Annie Yongan Lu and Alice Xioman Zhang
Annie Yongan Lu, 26, and her 56-year-old mother, Alice Xioman Zhang - long-term Australian residents originally from Foshan City, China - were recovering in a New Zealand hospital, according to a Chinese-language report on Thursday. Lu was in the general ward, and Zhang was in intensive care, without life-threatening injuries.