Gemma Ferregel, 39, died when a boat carrying five people capsized off Clarks Beach in Auckland on Nov. 6.
The search for her son Ryder, a talented motocross racer who has been missing since the accident, continues.
Three others on the boat survived, two of them, freezing and exhausted, swam to shore to raise the alarm.
Police issued a statement on behalf of the family this evening.
“We are all devastated and beyond words as we mourn Gemma and Ryder. Our only wish now is for Ryder to be brought home as soon as possible.
“We would like to express our gratitude to the emergency services and community volunteers who contributed to the search.”
Police expressed their condolences to the couple’s family and friends and said the case would be referred to the coroner.
They said it was a reminder to people to be safe on the water.
“As the warmer months approach, police continue to urge anyone going out on the water to make sure they have all the appropriate safety equipment with them. That includes wearing life jackets.”
Earlier, the police did not want to say anything about the cause of the accident, because the investigation was still in its infancy.
Maritime NZ was also investigating the incident but had no further comment on the cause of the capsizing.
A tribute to the mother of two said she was “the most generous, kind person you will ever know”.
‘Mother of Kazdan and Ryder. Loving daughter of Murray and Mandy. Sister of Jeremy, Amy and Gary. Much loved by John, Aileen and Peter. The most generous, kind person you will ever know. Forever loved, cherished and remembered by all of us. She will always be our shining gem,” the tribute read.
Ryder’s family launched one Give a little page to fund resources for the search effort.
“As much as we’ve had great police and search and rescue assistance, they will eventually limit and stop.
“We would like to continue the search. Let’s help Ryder get back home to his father and family.”
The page has already raised more than $63,000 since its launch yesterday.
Ryder received multiple sponsorships from local companies including Andy’s Moto Service, Waiuku ITM and GTS Construction.
Graeme Statham, owner of GTS Construction, said the boy’s motocross talent came naturally.
“He is definitely on the rise. He has a lot of potential.
“Some people have to train day in and day out, but he’s just a natural.”
Franklin Local Board Chair Angela Fulljames said it was a very stressful and difficult time for the family and everyone involved.
“We want to send our condolences to the family and thank the police, coast guard and local volunteers for all they do.”
Clarks Beach resident Rachael Speedy cared for the two survivors who made their way to shore. They were “hypothermic and seemed distressed” after being in the water for hours.
“They had swum from the upturned boat to shore,” she said.
Another local man said two survivors had been spotted out of the water and along the coast to raise the alarm.
Water Safety New Zealand said last month that 68 people have died in preventable drownings so far this year – already 80 percent of the 10-year average of fatalities.
In 2021, a total of 90 people drowned.