The death toll resulting from a volcanic eruption on a privately owned New Zealand island has risen to 17, authorities said .

The Dec. 9 eruption occurred while 47 people were on the popular White Island, a well known tourist destination, officials said. White Island is also known by its Maori name, Whakaari.

Police were advised of the latest death at 11 p.m. on Sunday, Deputy Commissioner of Police John Timms said in a statement. Police have not identified the person, who died at Middlemore Hospital in Auckland, New Zealand.