5 Mar 2017

Ferret trapper's body found

8:26 pm on 5 March 2017

Searchers have found the body of a man who failed to return home from trapping ferrets yesterday.

Ross Andrew Gerken, 63, of Manapouri was working as a ferret trapper in the Falls Dam area of Central Otago.

Police said he was expected to leave the area at about 3pm yesterday and was reported overdue last night.

They said his family, local farmers and the police began a land and air search for him early today and his body was found shortly after 6am today.

The police have referred Mr Gerken's death to the Coroner, and Worksafe has been advised.