Rest home sudden death investigated

Hamilton Police investigating the sudden death of a rest home resident at Waikato Hospital overnight are working to build a picture of events prior to the man’s admission to hospital.

Officer in charge of the Hamilton CIB, Detective Senior Sergeant Karl Thornton says the investigation into the death of the 81-year-old man was in its formative stages and investigators hoped to build up a clearer picture of events once a scene examination of the Enderley rest-home has been completed.

"The other analysis that will be carried out is a post-mortem examination due to be conducted in Auckland this morning, once these two tasks have been completed we will have a better understanding of events leading up to and contributing to the man’s death.

"Until such time as the results of these examinations are completed the man’s sudden death will continue to be treated as suspicious until such time as we have information to the contrary."

Mr Thornton says anyone with information on the incident, who hasn’t already been spoken to by Police is asked to contact him at the Hamilton Central Police Station on 07 858 6200.

Alternatively information can be left anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.