New Zealand

French-Canadian 'repeatedly' warned not to tramp

19:50 pm on 5 May 2010

The Department of Conservation says it went to extensive lengths to try to stop a French-Canadian from going tramping.

Police confirmed on Wednesday that the body of Sorem Kvist has been found in a national park on the West Coat of the South Island.

The 40-year-old set out to walk the Copland Pass track, south of Fox Glacier, last week despite being repeatedly warned not to.

DoC says Mr Kvist was advised on at least four separate occasions not to walk the track because his equipment was not suitable and the weather was too dangerous.

DoC says when staff realised Mr Kvist had set off, they arranged for a French translator to twice contact the man via radio at a hut to explain the dangers and ask him to return.

Police say arrangements are being made for Mr Kvist's body to be returned to his family and an inquest will be held at a later date.

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