Mike-Hopkins-Obituary

Mike Hopkins

Obituary

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Oscar-winning sound editor Mike Hopkins, who worked on the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy and other Peter Jackson films, has died in a rafting accident in New Zealand. He was 53.

Hopkins drowned on Sunday when his inflatable raft capsized during a flash flood in a river on New Zealand's North Island, police senior Sgt. Carolyn Watson said. His wife survived.

The New Zealand Herald newspaper quoted "Rings" director Peter Jackson as saying many actors, directors and film crew members who were lucky enough to work with Hopkins would miss him deeply.

"Mike was a very genuine, caring and warm-hearted guy with a great sense of humor," Jackson said.

A native New Zealander, Hopkins shared Oscars with sound editing partner Ethan Van der Ryn in 2006 for "King Kong" and in 2003 for "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers." They also were nominated for 2007's "Transformers."

Hopkins also was sound editor on the two other "Rings" films and had worked on earlier Jackson movies including "Heavenly Creatures" and "The Frighteners."

The Herald reported a family celebration of Hopkins' life was planned on Thursday.

A river contractor, Bruce Slater, and his son used a jet boat to rescue Hopkins' wife. Nicci Hopkins had been in the Waiohine River two hours and was clinging to a ledge in a narrow part of the gorge too dangerous for bigger boats or a helicopter.

Watson called the Slaters heroic. Slater told Fairfax New Zealand the flash flood raised the river 2 to 3 meters (9.8 feet) while the rafters were in the water.

"If they'd been half an hour earlier, they would have been clear of the gorge," he said. And a half hour later, the water levels would have been noticeably dangerous before the rafters launched, Slater said.


Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

May the god of comfort be a source of strength for your family at this difficult time. 2Corn 1:3, 4. Deepest Sympathy, Sue, Concord, NC

Hoppy was such a kind, sweet and talented man. He will truly be missed! My condolences to his friends and family.

Miss you!

to the Hopkins family ,let God soothe your heart with thoughts such as this."you are opening your hand and satisfying the desire of every living thing."{pslm.145:16}....q

Prayers for his many friends, family and fans. Matthew 5:4 says "Blessed are they who mourn for they shall be comforted."

May the God of all comfort strengthen the family during this time of sorrow. " Those who die God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes." (Psalms 116:15)

My deepest sympathies. May the "God of all comfort," help to ease the pain of your grief during this time.(1 Cor 1:3,4)

May the God who bring comfort be with the Hopkins family in the days to come.Acts24:15.

WE ARE SENDING OUR LOVE,PRAYERS,&CONDOLENCES TO THE HOPKNIS FAMILY,FRIENDS,FANS,&ALL WHO KNEW MR. HOPKINS.