Further victim of balloon tragedy formally identified

A further victim of the Carterton hot air balloon tragedy on Saturday has been formally identified to the satisfaction of Coroner Peter Ryan, at a formal hearing in Wellington today.

The victim was 50 year old Stephen Hopkirk, of Lower Hutt.

The family of Stephen have already issued a statement to media which is available on the Police website: https://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/30504.html

Stephen's family do not wish to have any further contact with media. A funeral service for
Stephen will be for family and friends and media are not permitted to attend.

Wairarapa Area Commander Inspector Brent Register says a blessing by local iwi and
church leaders has been carried out this afternoon at the scene of Saturday's crash in
Somerset Road.

"Families of the deceased were invited to attend the service before the scene was
formally released by Police a short time ago. We continue to support the families of the
deceased and those affected by the tragedy at this very tough time."

A Coronial Inquiry into the tragedy has been opened. Coroner Peter Ryan has adjourned the Inquiry until the Police and TAIC investigations have been completed but has issued a note prohibiting the publication of any images likely to be of relevance to the Inquiry.