31 Jan 2024

Girl who died in Fiordland's Marian Creek named

6:57 am on 31 January 2024
Marian Creek in the Fiordland National Park.

Marian Creek. Photo: Unsplash / Tomas Sobek

Tegan Ariel Chen has been named as the 10-year-old girl who died after falling into Marian Creek in Fiordland.

Emergency services were called about 11.40am on 25 January after being alerted to the girl falling into the fast-flowing creek.

She was found and taken out of the water a short time later and CPR was performed but she was unable to be revived.

Tegan was on holiday with her family from New South Wales, Australia.

Police said their thoughts were with Tegan's family at this "incredibly difficult time".

Southland mayor Rob Scott earlier expressed his sadness over the incident, and said it was a huge tragedy for all involved.

Scott described the river where the girl died as "unforgiving".

"It's a pretty harsh environment," he said.

"We're in the middle of summer but it is very cold out there too and it's a strong flowing river.

"It's not a nice calm environment, but it is well frequented by visitors as well and is a beautiful part of the world.

"It's very sad that we've had this kind of outcome."

Police said the investigation into Tegan's death was ongoing.

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