Dual Tragedy on the Waikato River: Police Recover Two Bodies During Search for Missing Man
By Lions Roar News Public Safety Desk
HAMILTON, NEW ZEALAND (January 13, 2026) — A search operation for a missing person in Hamilton has led to a double discovery in the Waikato River today. Police have confirmed the recovery of two bodies, solving one recent missing person case and potentially providing closure to a cold case dating back to mid-2025.
Hamilton City Area Commander Inspector Neil Faulkner announced that the recovery efforts, which involved specialized police divers, concluded a intensive search that had been active since last weekend.
📍 The Recent Discovery: Teananga Tiotia
The primary search was launched after 25-year-old Teananga Tiotia was reported missing on Saturday.
- Recovery: Just before 10:00 AM today, divers located a body in the river believed to be Tiotia.
- Notification: His family has been officially notified of the discovery.
- Next Steps: A formal identification process is currently underway, and the case has been referred to the Coroner to determine the cause of death.
🚗 The Unexpected Find: Aydan Brown
In a startling turn of events, while searching for Tiotia, officers located a vehicle submerged in the river. Inside the car, they discovered a second body.
- Identity: Police believe the remains are those of 39-year-old Aydan Brown.
- Cold Case: Brown had been missing since August 2025, last seen in the Hamilton suburb of Chartwell. His disappearance had remained a mystery for months.
- Closure: Similar to the Tiotia case, Brown’s death has been referred to the Coroner, and formal identification is being finalized.
🕊️ A Community in Mourning
The recovery of two bodies in a single day has sent shockwaves through the Hamilton community. For the families of both Tiotia and Brown, the news marks a tragic end to their wait for answers.
Police expressed their condolences to both families and thanked the dive squads and search teams for their diligent work in the difficult river conditions.
