UB student Daniel Hollnsteiner died in a kayaking accident in New Zealand Friday.
Hollnsteiner, a 21-year-old senior business major from Staten Island, was kayaking on Lake Tekapo in New Zealand with 10 other students Friday when strong winds and waves capsized their kayaks into freezing water. James Murphy, a student from London, also died. Nine survivors were treated for hypothermia after spending an hour in the water.
Hollnsteiner was studying abroad for a semester at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia.
The kayakers were all students attending Monash and visiting New Zealand during a semester break. Police said all of the students were wearing life jackets, but the water temperature was below 40 degrees.
UB released a statement on Hollnsteiner’s death Saturday.
“The university has been in contact with Daniel’s family and we are offering whatever support and assistance we can during this very difficult time,” the statement said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Daniel’s family and friends. University counseling services will be available for Daniel’s friends and fellow students at UB.”
Gabriela Julia is the senior news editor. She can be reached at gabriela.julia@ubspectrum.com. Follow her on Twitter at @gabrielaaJulia.
