Police name diver who died near Owaka Heads on Sunday

Tuesday, 29 December 2020

A 23-year-old man died doing what he loved, in the company of his best friend, his grandad.

Heriot man Jake Bridson has been named as the person who died while diving in south Otago on Sunday.

His father, Clayton Tisdall, said his son was much loved.

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Brisdon died free diving, with his best friend and grandad, Tisdall said.

Police were called about 12pm on Sunday after Bridson became separated from others in his party, police said earlier.

A search was initiated, and he was found about 1.40pm.

Bridson could not be revived and was pronounced deceased at the scene, a police spokesperson said.

Bridson attended Blue Mountains College.

In 2013, as a year 11 student, his efforts in agriculture were recognised with a merit award.

In 2015, The Otago Daily Times reported that Bridson helped two colleagues hold a potentially disastrous scrub fire at bay, on a farm near Clarks Junction, Otago.