Body of Rochester man found in flooded back yard

By Murray Silby

Oct 15, 2022

**Serious:** Flood waters near Rochester. Premier Daniel Andrews has passed on his condolences to the family and friends of a Rochester man, who has died during flooding around the town. Photo by Megan Fisher

Premier Daniel Andrews says the death of a 71-year-old man in Rochester underlines the seriousness of the floods in the state.

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The man’s body was found in the back yard of his property in Rochester.

Police say they will prepare a report for the coroner following the death.

Emergency services were called to reports the man was found deceased in flood waters in the back yard of his High Street property about 9.30am.

SES crews were on scene earlier today, and police were attempting to get to the property, which had been blocked off due to floodwater.

The exact circumstances surrounding the death are yet to be determined.

“We of course extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends,” Mr Andrews said.

“Rochester is a very proud local community, a very tight local community and they’ll all be, I know, sad to hear of one of their number passing away.

“I’ll just make the point, we’ll stand with that family and all families effected by this, but it just brings home for all of us, this is serious.

“This is potentially very, very dangerous and our sympathies are with that family and hopefully that sends a broader message of just how serious this is and that’s why we’re all working as hard as we possibly can to make sure that people are safe,” Mr Andrews said.