UPDATED: Gisborne police have released the name of the 20 year old Tauranga resident who died in Gisborne on New Year's Eve when he misjudged a leap into a swimming pool.

He was Ben Sargent. Ben attended high school in Gisborne and recently moved to Tauranga where a sister lives.

Ben Sargent died in Gisborne Hospital on New Year's Eve. Photo: Supplied.

Ben had been drinking with friends at the house where he died, and fell just as the group was leaving for the Rhythm & Vines music festival.

At 8.30pm on New Year's Eve, he climbed a tennis court lighting pole at a friend's house in the Gisborne suburb of Lytton West and tried to jump into a swimming pool. Instead, he lost his balance and landed on paving below. He was rushed to Gisborne Hospital but died soon after.

He suffered multiple injuries to various parts of his body, says Eastern District Police spokeswoman Kris McGehan.

Friends reactions to his death are on Facebook, reports Stuff.

"You're a top lad, known by everyone and disliked by nobody. You're spontaneous, always laughing and lived your life to the absolute fullest. Got nothing but love for you, rest easy brother," one said.

"You were always a happy-go-lucky guy and nothing but an absolute pleasure to be around! Rest in peace," another posted.

The party wasn't out of control says the property owner, whose son was a friend of the dead man. There were about 20 young people about the house having a few drinks.

'It was very relaxed," says the owner who doesn't want to be named.

"My wife and I had gone out about half an hour before. I think the guys had called a taxi, and while they were waiting they sat back down, and that must have been when [the man] decided to climb the light.

"It's truly tragic. We're devastated. We can't stop thinking about the family."

The dead man played soccer with his sons, was a skateboarder and a popular kid, the homeowner said.

"He was a cheerful kid, heaps of get up and go, a lot going for him."

The dead man's mother is understood to live in Waikato, and his father in Australia. He had a sister in Tauranga.

Tairawhiti police say the death will be referred to the coroner.