Adelaide's Dallow family is grieving the loss of 53-year-old Gavin and his 15-year-old stepdaughter, Zoe Hosking, after the New Zealand volcanic eruption as they cling to hope wife and mother Lisa Dallow will pull through.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Mrs Dallow remains in a critical condition in hospital in Hamilton, while police have confirmed her husband's body has been positively identified.
Zoe is presumed dead with her body still on White Island and unlikely to be recovered for several days.
Mr Dallow's father Brian has questioned whether his son knew of the risks of going onto the island, home to New Zealand's most active volcano.
"Gavin was always one for being fairly articulate on what he did," he told reporters.
"So, I think if he had known there was a danger he wouldn't have gone on it.
"I'm pretty well sure they weren't fully informed of the danger. That's the only thing I can be really positive about."
In a statement, the Dallow family said it was mourning the loss of both Gavin, 53, and Zoe.
"Gavin was a wonderful son and brother. We'll miss him at the cricket and we'll miss him at the football," they said.
"He was a generous man, always helping his family and his community.
"Our hearts break at the loss of Zoe at such a young age. We know her loss will also devastate her school community and the local Girl Guides, of which she was an active member."
St Aloysius College, where Zoe was in year 9, said the school community shared the family's deep grief.
"The whole staff, along with many students and their families, have gathered in the chapel to pray for Zoe and her family and to console one another," Principal Paddy McEvoy said.
"The family's pain and that of their friends and the school community are beyond words, yet we cherish all that we have shared with Zoe and her family over 10 years."
Australian Associated Press
