By Annemarie Quill ofPhoto: Supplied / StuffLoving father Reon Wikeepa drowned while saving the life of his 16-year-old daughter. A man who leapt in the water to save his daughter and got caught in a rip might have survived if a flotation device was near. Bay of Plenty father Reon Wikeepa, 43, drowned at Moturiki Island, Mount Maunganui, in November 2022 when he lost his battle with the waves after saving his then 16-year-old daughter, Abigail. A coroner's report said he would have had a greater chance of survival if those attempting to rescue him had ready access to a flotation device. This provides great comfort to Wikeepa's whānau, says his sister.

Source: Stuff January 14, 2024 11:49 UTC