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Boarding death father's warning Father warns over 'extreme sport'
(19 minutes later)
The father of a 21-year-old woman who died after being trapped underwater in New Zealand has criticised new "extreme sports" activities.The father of a 21-year-old woman who died after being trapped underwater in New Zealand has criticised new "extreme sports" activities.
Emily Jordan, from Trimpley, near Bewdley, Worcs, was river-boarding in the Kawarau River gorge when she became stuck under rocks and drowned.Emily Jordan, from Trimpley, near Bewdley, Worcs, was river-boarding in the Kawarau River gorge when she became stuck under rocks and drowned.
Ms Jordan was on a six-month trip when the accident happened on Tuesday.Ms Jordan was on a six-month trip when the accident happened on Tuesday.
Her father Chris said: "Every day we seem to hear of a new extreme sport. Are they trying to push it too far?"Her father Chris said: "Every day we seem to hear of a new extreme sport. Are they trying to push it too far?"
Sgt Stephen Ereckson, of New Zealand Police, said Ms Jordan had been with a group when the incident happened near Cromwell on the South Island.Sgt Stephen Ereckson, of New Zealand Police, said Ms Jordan had been with a group when the incident happened near Cromwell on the South Island.
He said guides tried for about 20 minutes to free her from rocks in the middle of the river before attempts were made to resuscitate her on the riverbank.He said guides tried for about 20 minutes to free her from rocks in the middle of the river before attempts were made to resuscitate her on the riverbank.
I was really quite upset about her going, even just for six months Sarah JordanI was really quite upset about her going, even just for six months Sarah Jordan
Mr Jordan added: "Are they trying to out-do each other to come up with a new sport to attract these kids to do it?Mr Jordan added: "Are they trying to out-do each other to come up with a new sport to attract these kids to do it?
"I think maybe people need to stand back and get some reality into this.""I think maybe people need to stand back and get some reality into this."
Ms Jordan graduated last year from Swansea University with a first-class law degree.Ms Jordan graduated last year from Swansea University with a first-class law degree.
Ms Jordan's mother Sarah said she had last seen her daughter in February before she set off on the trip with her boyfriend.Ms Jordan's mother Sarah said she had last seen her daughter in February before she set off on the trip with her boyfriend.
Her mother said: "I was really quite upset about her going, even just for six months.Her mother said: "I was really quite upset about her going, even just for six months.
'Worst nightmare''Worst nightmare'
"I knew I was going to miss her but obviously I thought she would be coming back at the end of August.""I knew I was going to miss her but obviously I thought she would be coming back at the end of August."
The owner of Mad Dog River Boarding Company, Brad McLeod, told Radio New Zealand the incident was his "worst nightmare".The owner of Mad Dog River Boarding Company, Brad McLeod, told Radio New Zealand the incident was his "worst nightmare".
He said the firm would be closed until further notice.He said the firm would be closed until further notice.
In a statement, Mr McLeod said "My staff and I are struggling to come to terms with the events of yesterday and we can't begin to imagine how difficult this is for Emily's family, partner and friends.In a statement, Mr McLeod said "My staff and I are struggling to come to terms with the events of yesterday and we can't begin to imagine how difficult this is for Emily's family, partner and friends.
"We are now in an investigative stage of the events that took place on the river and are working with the authorities through that process.""We are now in an investigative stage of the events that took place on the river and are working with the authorities through that process."
'Outstanding student'
Ms Jordan's former tutor at The Alice Ottley School said she had been an "excellent pupil".Ms Jordan's former tutor at The Alice Ottley School said she had been an "excellent pupil".
Ms Jordan's parents last saw their daughter in February
Jo Marsh said: "Emily was full of life. She relished challenges and took advantage of all the opportunities open to her here."Jo Marsh said: "Emily was full of life. She relished challenges and took advantage of all the opportunities open to her here."
Her tutor at Swansea University Dr Bebhinn Donnelly described Ms Jordan as an "outstanding student".Her tutor at Swansea University Dr Bebhinn Donnelly described Ms Jordan as an "outstanding student".
Dr Donnelly said: "She was a very pleasant and friendly person, who was well-liked and respected by both the staff and students."Dr Donnelly said: "She was a very pleasant and friendly person, who was well-liked and respected by both the staff and students."
Senior Constable Chris Blackford, of Queenstown Police, said Ms Jordan's family were preparing to fly out to New Zealand.Senior Constable Chris Blackford, of Queenstown Police, said Ms Jordan's family were preparing to fly out to New Zealand.
'Blasting through infamous rapids'
He said they would be arriving in Auckland on Friday morning local time.He said they would be arriving in Auckland on Friday morning local time.
The sport of river-boarding involves single participants lying on a body board as they ride through rapids.The sport of river-boarding involves single participants lying on a body board as they ride through rapids.
The Mad Dog River Boarding Company's website said the sport was suited to people who "have a reasonable swimming ability".The Mad Dog River Boarding Company's website said the sport was suited to people who "have a reasonable swimming ability".
It said the activity, which includes six rapids and lasts about 45 minutes, leads participants down the "Mighty Kawarau River, blasting through the infamous Roaring Meg rapids".It said the activity, which includes six rapids and lasts about 45 minutes, leads participants down the "Mighty Kawarau River, blasting through the infamous Roaring Meg rapids".