A soldier whose body was found in the Manawatū River yesterday has been remembered as a “talented” and “outstanding young man”.
Emergency services were called to Ahimate Reserve in Palmerston North at around 1.35pm on Saturday following a report that a man walking his dog had fallen into the river.
Chief of Army, Major General Rose King said Gunner Nikau Minhinnick Gill was a “talented” and “highly respected member” of the 16th Field Regiment’s 161 Battery in Linton.
“In what was a tragic accident on Saturday, he entered the Manawatū River in an attempt to rescue his dog and was swept away.
“Anytime our whānau loses one of our own, the grief is felt right across Ngāti Tūmatauenga and the wider New Zealand Defence Force.”
Gill joined the Army in March 2021 and the 16th Field Regiment in June the same year.
He was awarded the Covid-19 Response Recognition Award in September 2021 and the New Zealand Defence Service Medal Regular Clasp in March 2024.
He was also awarded a United States Army Achievement Medal in December 2023 for his performance at the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Centre.
Commanding Officer 16th Field Regiment LTCOL Brent Morris said Gill was an “outstanding young man” who was a “valued member of both the regiment and Ngāti Tūmatauenga”.
Inspector Ashley Gurney said earlier today the incident involved search and rescue staff, the police dive squad, a water rescue boat, kayaks, drones, a helicopter and other volunteers.
Gill’s Defence Force colleagues helped in the search.
“While located deceased yesterday evening, police are pleased to have been able to reunite the man with his family.
“Police extend our condolences to the man’s family and friends during this difficult time and are being provided with support.”
Gurney said the death was not believed to be suspicious and has been referred to the coroner.
