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Waikato teenager missing after bridge jump

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Sat, 11 Feb 2012 8:54a.m.

The 13-year-old jumped off the 10m high Tainui Bridge

The 13-year-old jumped off the 10m high Tainui Bridge

A dive squad will join police in the search for a teenage boy who went missing after jumping off a bridge into the Waikato River in Huntly.

The 13-year-old jumped off the 10m high Tainui Bridge about 5.30pm on Friday and landed on his friend, who had jumped just before him.

The Waikato Times reported the name of the boy was Zharian Watkins of Huntly.

Zharian's friend was taken to Waikato Hospital with a gash to his head and an injured shoulder. Zharian has not been seen since.

Both the Police and Fire Service joined the extensive search using a helicopter and boats on Friday. Locals also looked for Zharian but the search was called off when it became dark.

A dive squad from Wellington is expected to join the search team today as they resume at first light.

Fairfax reported Zharian's heavily pregnant mother was taken to hospital and had gone into labour upon hearing the news that her son was missing.

NZN

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