CHRISTCHURCH – Police have discovered a woman’s body at a property on Grayhurst Road, believed to be a 69-year-old local woman who had been reported missing.
The discovery follows a week of extensive search efforts and appeals for public assistance to locate Adele, who vanished from the city center in mid-June.
Search and Recovery
Detective Sergeant Luke Vaughan confirmed that the body was located following a coordinated effort between police search crews and the community. Vaughan noted that information provided by the public played a key role in narrowing the search to the Grayhurst Road property in eastern Christchurch, after sightings and CCTV footage were reviewed.
The timeline of the disappearance is as follows:
- Date last seen: Monday, June 15
- Time: Approximately 1:00 p.m.
- Location: Eastgate Mall
Police said the property where the body was found has been secured and is now the subject of a detailed scene examination by specialist forensic staff.
Official Statements
While the recovery brings a resolution to the search, police have noted that formal procedures must be completed before a positive identification is made and the cause of death determined.
“While formal identification is yet to be completed, the body is believed to be that of 69-year-old local woman Adele,” Vaughan said. “This is not the outcome we were hoping for, however we are pleased her family have received some closure.”
Vaughan expressed gratitude to the community and the search crews who operated throughout the past week to locate the missing woman, adding that police are continuing to support Adele’s family and will provide further updates when they are in a position to do so.
Investigative Process
Under New Zealand law, deaths that are sudden, violent, or unexplained are referred to the coroner. The coroner’s office is an independent judicial body tasked with determining the identity of the deceased and the cause and circumstances of death, operating under the Coroners Act 2006.
The case has been officially referred to the coroner. As part of that process, a post-mortem examination will be carried out, and the coroner will consider evidence from police, medical specialists and, where appropriate, witness statements before deciding whether an inquest is required.
Police have urged anyone who may have seen Adele in the vicinity of Eastgate Mall or Grayhurst Road on or after June 15 to contact them, noting that even small pieces of information can assist in building a complete picture of her final movements.
