No evidence ‘at this stage’ of foul play

Police have not found any evidence of foul play being involved in the incident where a man was found under the Okitu Bridge at Wainui on October 22. Picture by Liam Clayton

The man found seriously injured under the Okitu Bridge at Wainui 10 days ago has made good progress in Waikato Hospital.

Police say they have not found any evidence of foul play at this stage.

The 71-year-old was found under the bridge, on the seaward side at the city end, at around 10.30am on Sunday, October 22.

Police have an ongoing inquiry into the circumstances.

“He had sustained a range of broken bones, some internal injuries and a head injury,” said Detective Sergeant Steve Smith.

The man was transported to Waikato Hospital, where he remains in a stable condition.

“He’s making really good progress in hospital,” Det Sgt Smith said.

“His family have been with him.”

Police last week made a plea for information about the incident.

The man was a regular sight on his daily walk from from his home in Wairere Road to Makorori Headland and back.

“We’ve not had anyone come forward as yet to provide us with any information about what happened,” Det Sgt Smith said.

“But through our inquiries we have ascertained that his injuries were consistent with a fall from the bridge.

“It would have been a fall of about nine metres.

“He landed on a footpath under the bridge.

“There is no evidence at all of any foul play involved at this stage.

“The focus of the inquiry is to work out how he came to fall.”

Det Sgt Smith said he knows there has been conjecture in the community about the circumstances involved.

“But that’s all it is  — conjecture.”

“The man’s family have asked that the public respect their need for privacy at this time.”

He was described by police in a statement last week “as reasonably frail, of slight build, 160cm tall and walks with a slight stoop”.

“At the time of the incident he was wearing a thin, blue long-sleeved thermal top, black fleecy track pants and brown/black tramping boots.

“We would still like to hear from anyone who may have seen this man on that Sunday morning, October 22,” Det Sgt Smith said.

“If you have any information which may assist us in our investigation, please contact police on 105 online via https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105 and reference file number: 231022/2943.”