White Island eruption: The identities of the victims

Hearts ache as people in New Zealand and abroad mourn the deaths of at least 16 people in the devastating volcano eruption on White Island in the Bay of Plenty last Monday.

In the wake of the tragedy, families, and friends of the victims are forced to adjust to life without those they loved most.

These are the faces, names, and identities of those who lost their lives.

Krystal Browitt - 21, Australia

Browitt was from Melbourne. It's understood the veterinary student had been on the Ovation of the Seas cruise with her family celebrating her 21st birthday. Her father and sister were reportedly hospitalised following the eruption.

White Island eruption: The identities of the victims

Hayden Marshall Inman - New Zealand

A Whakatane tour guide, Inman has been remembered as "full of life".

Inman's brother Mark told The Project last week Hayden was "a real team player".

"He was a guy that would do anything for anyone."

White Island eruption: The identities of the victims
Photo credit: Facebook

The Hollander family

Berend Hollander, 16, and brother Matthew, 13, were formally identified on Sunday night. Dad Martin was identified on Monday, and mum Barbara has yet to be identified.

"We are absolutely heartbroken by this loss," a statement from the Hollander family said, as reported by news.com.au.

"They had a positive and lasting impact on everyone's paths they crossed."

The Hollander brothers.
The Hollander brothers.
Barbara and Martin Hollander
Barbara and Martin Hollander Photo credit: Supplied

Tipene Maangi - 24, New Zealand

Maangi was also a tour guide from Whakatane, named by police on Sunday.

Maangi's cousin, Anihera Paku, told Newshub he wasn't supposed to be working last Monday but was called in to pick up an extra shift and hasn't been heard from since.

Paku described Maangi as the "laugh of the crowd".

White Island eruption: The identities of the victims
Photo credit: Supplied

Julie Richards, 47, and daughter Jessica, 20 - Australia

A vigil was held in Queensland to remember the mother and daughter on Sunday night after they were confirmed dead by local news sources on Wednesday. Jessica was formally named by police on Monday.

"Jessica attended one of our local schools and was well known in AFL circles, and Julie had so many friends in the local community," said Angela Owen, a councillor in the Queensland suburb of Calamvale.

"It is a tragedy and a lot of people are reeling from this loss," Owen told ABC Australia.

White Island eruption: The identities of the victims
Photo credit: Supplied
Gavin and Lisa Dallow and Zoe Hosking.
Gavin and Lisa Dallow and Zoe Hosking. Photo credit: Supplied

Gavin Dallow, 53, and stepdaughter Zoe Hosking, 15 - Australia

Police named Dallow and Zoe as two of the victims of the eruption on Sunday.

Dallow's wife and Zoe's mother, Lisa Dallow, is severely burned and has been repatriated to Australia.

"Zoe was a bright, friendly, creative young woman," said a statement from the Adelaide school Zoe attended - St Aloysius College.

"We will miss that smile."

Gavin Dallow.
Gavin Dallow. Photo credit: Facebook

The Langford family

Also named by police on Sunday, Anthony Langford was in New Zealand on holiday with his children Winona and Jesse and wife Kristine. Kristine was identified by police on Monday.

Jesse, 19, was found alive in hospital on Tuesday. Winona, 17, remains unaccounted for.

Kristine and Anthony Langford.
Kristine and Anthony Langford. Photo credit: Facebook

Richard Elzer and partner Karla Mathews, 32 - Australia

The couple were among the Ovation of the Seas cruise ship passengers who visited the island on Monday.

A statement released by Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), from friends of the couple, said they were among a group of nine travelling on the cruise.

"We enjoyed the first five days of our trip and have many memories that will stay with us forever," the statement said, as reported by news.com.au.

White Island eruption: The identities of the victims
Photo credit: Supplied

Jason Griffiths, 33 - Australia

Griffiths was travelling in the same group as Elzer and Matthews.

He was taken to hospital but later succumbed to his injuries and died.

White Island eruption: The identities of the victims
Photo credit: Facebook

"From that moment until the moment of his passing, Jason was surrounded by friends and family members," the statement from DFAT said.

"We are incredibly saddened to have lost three of our closest friends."