Sudden Death near Lake Tekapo

Late last night the search and rescue team who went to assist members of the Prime Ministers skiing party following the death of their guide. The party were staying in a hut in the Two Thumbs Range in the back county of South Canterbury.
An emergency call was received late yesterday afternoon after the Prime Ministers guide and friend Gotttlieb Otto Braun-Elwert aged 59 suffered what is believed to be a heart attack, and subsequently died.
Rescuers reached the hut last night on a snow mobile and while some remained at the hut overnight party members including the Prime Minister were brought out to Lake Tekapo Township.
An assessment of the weather is carried out at first light plans will be formulated to bring out the party members who remained at the hut overnight and also the body of Mr Braun-Elwert.
A further press release will be made at 0900hrs

D.H. Gaskin
Area Commander
Mid South Canterbury

Issued By: Inspector Alan Weston