Police probe Napier man’s death from car roof fall, no other vehicle involved

• Police confirm Reif Cotter died from falling off a car, not being hit by a vehicle.
• The vehicle is in police possession and they seek public information to understand the incident.
• A Givealittle page supports Cotter’s partner Holly and their children after his tragic death.

Police have determined that a Napier man died when he fell from a car, not from being hit by another vehicle.

On Monday 33-year-old Reif Cotter of Tamatea was named as the victim who fell from the roof of a car in Marewa.

According to a spokesman, police are investigating the exact circumstances that led to Cotter’s death.

The spokesman confirmed police have determined Cotter died from injuries sustained in the fall from the car, and he was not subsequently run over.

Police have the vehicle Cotter fell from in their possession and are not seeking any other vehicle.

However, the police spokesman reiterated the appeal to the public to come forward with any information that may help them piece together what happened and get answers for Cotter’s family.

Cotter was travelling on a mattress on top of a black station wagon which travelled from the Marewa shops on Kennedy Rd, along Nuffield Ave, shortly before 9pm on Friday, December 27.

The spokesman asked the public to consider Cotter’s family when making any online comment or speculation.

Police want to talk to anyone who saw the vehicle or knows anything about the situation, no matter how small, to get in touch.

A Givealittle page has been set up to support Cotter’s partner Holly and their children.

“This page has been set up to help Holly and her children after the unexpected and tragic passing of the children’s Dad, Reif,” it says.

“Holly is the most beautiful, kind, caring and loving mum to her daughter Amaia and boys Mitara and Aoterangi. She is a great, supportive friend and work colleague who never says ‘No’ to whatever requests come her way. You know our Holly, she is always there for all of us.

“We ask you kindly to please donate as much as you can to help Holly and her children adjust to a new life, to be able to enjoy and stay in their home and to do all the nice things like kids’ sports and hobbies, now sadly without the support of Reif.”

Jack Riddell is a multimedia journalist with Hawke’s Bay Today and spent the last 15 years working in radio and media in Auckland, London, Berlin, and Napier. He reports on all stories relevant to residents of the region, with pieces on art, music, and culture.