26/04/2004
Missing British hiker's body found in New Zealand
The body of a British hiker missing for over a month has been discovered in Mount Aspiring National Park in New Zealand.
An alpine search team spotted the body of Michael Johnson, a 38-year-old physiotherapist from Sheffield, from a helicopter as they flew over the area of South Island where he was last seen. It was recovered later.
Sergeant Aaron Nicholson of Wanaka police said it is thought that Mr Johnson may have fallen from Lois Peak ridge while descending into the Waterfall Flat area not long after he was last seen.
Mr Johnson's parents, who had flown to the New Zealand were at the search base when their son's body was discovered. The couple said that their son had died doing what he lived for, "walking and exploring the outdoors". They said that the discovery of the remains had provided a "closure" that would allow them to begin grieving for their son.
Mr Johnson was intending to hike some 600 miles from the Hump in Fiordland to Farewell Spit on South Island. Following a brief stay at Wanaka on March 15, he had collected supplies and had set off for Rabbit Pass after arranging to pick up more supplies on March 22, but he did not arrive.
However, the alarm was not raised until two weeks later when a friend of Mr Johnson who had been arranging the supply of food parcels noticed that it had not been claimed.
An inquest will be held to determine the cause of death.
(SP)
An alpine search team spotted the body of Michael Johnson, a 38-year-old physiotherapist from Sheffield, from a helicopter as they flew over the area of South Island where he was last seen. It was recovered later.
Sergeant Aaron Nicholson of Wanaka police said it is thought that Mr Johnson may have fallen from Lois Peak ridge while descending into the Waterfall Flat area not long after he was last seen.
Mr Johnson's parents, who had flown to the New Zealand were at the search base when their son's body was discovered. The couple said that their son had died doing what he lived for, "walking and exploring the outdoors". They said that the discovery of the remains had provided a "closure" that would allow them to begin grieving for their son.
Mr Johnson was intending to hike some 600 miles from the Hump in Fiordland to Farewell Spit on South Island. Following a brief stay at Wanaka on March 15, he had collected supplies and had set off for Rabbit Pass after arranging to pick up more supplies on March 22, but he did not arrive.
However, the alarm was not raised until two weeks later when a friend of Mr Johnson who had been arranging the supply of food parcels noticed that it had not been claimed.
An inquest will be held to determine the cause of death.
(SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 June 2009
UK Troops Get Boost To Personal Protection
British troops fighting in the frontline are to receive new body armour and helmets this autumn, it has been announced. Over 10,000 sets of the enhanced Mark 7 helmet and the Osprey Assault body armour have been ordered from companies across the UK, under initial contracts worth around £16 million.
UK Troops Get Boost To Personal Protection
British troops fighting in the frontline are to receive new body armour and helmets this autumn, it has been announced. Over 10,000 sets of the enhanced Mark 7 helmet and the Osprey Assault body armour have been ordered from companies across the UK, under initial contracts worth around £16 million.
19 March 2010
Dog Owning Attacker Guilty Of Murder
A dog owner who ordered his pet to attack a 16-year-old boy before stabbing him has been convicted of murder. Crisdian Johnson, 22, of Quinton House, Wyvil Road, was charged on 30 April 2009 with the murder of Oluwaseyi 'Seyi' Ogunyemi, 16. The victim was known to family and friends as Seyi - pronounced 'Shay'.
Dog Owning Attacker Guilty Of Murder
A dog owner who ordered his pet to attack a 16-year-old boy before stabbing him has been convicted of murder. Crisdian Johnson, 22, of Quinton House, Wyvil Road, was charged on 30 April 2009 with the murder of Oluwaseyi 'Seyi' Ogunyemi, 16. The victim was known to family and friends as Seyi - pronounced 'Shay'.
24 August 2009
England Celebrate Ashes Victory
England's cricket squad are celebrating their Ashes victory over Australia. The Queen led the tributes after England secured a 2-1 series win at the Oval on Sunday, reclaiming the coveted ashes urn.
England Celebrate Ashes Victory
England's cricket squad are celebrating their Ashes victory over Australia. The Queen led the tributes after England secured a 2-1 series win at the Oval on Sunday, reclaiming the coveted ashes urn.
25 September 2007
Johnson Unveils Plans To Improve NHS
Health Secretary Alan Johnson has unveiled a series of measures aimed at improving the NHS, at the Labour party's annual conference in Bournemouth. Mr Johnson's plans focused on tackling hospital superbugs, such as MRSA, and improving security for NHS staff.
Johnson Unveils Plans To Improve NHS
Health Secretary Alan Johnson has unveiled a series of measures aimed at improving the NHS, at the Labour party's annual conference in Bournemouth. Mr Johnson's plans focused on tackling hospital superbugs, such as MRSA, and improving security for NHS staff.
02 February 2005
Government announces incapacity benefit changes
The government has launched a series of changes to incapacity benefits, in order to help get more people back into employment.
Government announces incapacity benefit changes
The government has launched a series of changes to incapacity benefits, in order to help get more people back into employment.