Man missing in Waiotapu thermal area

The Hot’nCold Pools at Waiotapu where Jayleb-Che Dean was last seen. Photo: Dan Hutchinson

Police are asking people near Waiotapu Loop Road to search their property for anything that may relate to the search for Jayleb-Che Dean, 36, who has been missing since Tuesday, September 30.

The Tokoroa teacher was last seen at the Hot’nCold Pools at Waiotapu between Rotorua and Taupō. The pools are a popular, free tourist destination where people bathe at the confluence of a hot water and a cold water stream.

Police, and Search and Rescue, were still actively searching the area this week where Jayleb-Che was last known to be.

A Police statement on Tuesday says they would like to hear from members of the public who used the pools on Waiotapu Loop Road between 10pm on Tuesday, September 30 and 10am on Wednesday, October 1.

Police are particularly interested in any dashcam or CCTV footage.

People residing in the immediate vicinity are asked to search properties in case Jayleb-Che has been there.

Much of the search area terrain is unsafe for public to search so Police advise public and family members who wish to assist, to confine their search to the roads in the area, for safety reasons.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Police via 105, referencing file number 251003/5935.