Hamilton man dies in water skiing accident

A 57 year old man from Hamilton has died after a water skiing accident on Lake Taupo on Saturday 29 October. The man had been participating in an organised speed water skiing event on the lake.

He has been named as Cornelius Van Deursen.

Senior Sergeant Tony Jeurissen from Taupo Police says Police were called to the Three Mile Bay Boat Ramp at Wharewaka Point at approximately 11am on Saturday.

"When Police staff arrived at the scene, the man was being attended to by medical staff associated with the speed skiing event, as well as St Johns Ambulance staff from Taupo.

"He was transported to Taupo Hospital, but he died later that afternoon."

Senior Sergeant Jeurissen says a Police investigation is underway to determine the circumstances leading up to the accident.

"At this stage it appears that the man was speed skiing behind a boat when he became injured and got into difficulties."

Senior Sergeant Jeurissen says Police have been speaking to witnesses as part of their investigation.

It is understood that the organisers of the event decided to stop the event following the incident.

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