Bar owner killed in Bali crash

Businessman Mark Deason (41) died last Friday on the way to hospital in an ambulance. Photo / File Photo

A previous owner of Dunedin student bar the Bowling Green Hotel has died after a motorcycle crash in Bali.

Businessman Mark Deason (41) died last Friday on the way to hospital in an ambulance.

This week friends and supporters raised more than $13,000 on Givealittle to help with funeral costs and to bring his body home.

Mr Deason was a controversial figure during his proprietorship of "the Bowler" in Frederick St. Promotions, including the offer of six double shots of spirits for $10 for students wearing "wife-beater" singlets, put the bar on the student drinking map and brought a backlash from authorities.

Mr Deason's friend, Brent Cowles, of Otematata, who has gone to Bali to bring Mr Deason's body home, yesterday described him as "just a genuine character with a great streak of mischief".

Mr Cowles said he was not surprised so much money had been raised.

"A lot of good buggers have rallied around him - it's phenomenal the Givealittle side of it. It's a testament to his character."

In addition to the Givealittle fundraiser, people in Dunedin were printing "Bowler" T-shirts to raise money.

Mr Deason's parents did not want to discuss the matter.