A Hawke's Bay man who died trying to save another diver was well-known and would have been doing "his best" to help out, according to the local Mayor.
Roger Nathan, 44, from Waipukurau, was found dead on Monday after apparently getting into the water to help Raymond Cooper, who got into trouble on the Pourērere Coast on Sunday.
Mr Cooper's body was found following an extensive search and rescue effort on Sunday.
Central Hawke's Bay Mayor Peter Butler said Mr Nathan and his family were well-known in the farming community.
He was "just a real nice bloke, a good hard worker".
"If there isn't someone who doesn't know the family, I'd be surprised."
Asked how the community would be taking the Mr Nathan's death, Mr Butler replied: "How would you expect them to? It's just a sad day for Central Hawke's Bay".
He expressed his condolences to both families.
The coroner is now investigating the deaths.
Newshub.
