Church member dies at Kelston Boys High School sports field

A blessing is held after a death during a sports game at Kelston Boys High in West Auckland. Photo / Dean Purcell

A church member passed away at a West Auckland school this afternoon while supporting his daughter on the field.

Ambulance responded to a call about 1.20pm to Kelston Boys High School on Archibald Rd.

Community Christian Fellowship are a church group who use the school's facilities every Sunday to hold their service.

A spokesman for the group confirmed there was a medical emergency and death at the Kelston school.

It was one of their members, who "passed away on the field while supporting [his] daughter".

"A game or training was either about to begin or in progress. He was not playing."

There was no foul play, he said, "just a sudden medical event which resulted in the person's death".

"We cannot at this time give any more details and names until cleared by immediate family."

The ambulance at the scene. Photo / Dean Purcell

A St John spokesman confirmed it was "one patient deceased on scene".

He did not have further details on the person's gender, age, or whether they had any connection to the school.

Earlier a Herald photographer said he saw people gathering around an ambulance at the scene.

"There were about six police officers, an ambulance and half a dozen other people."

He said it looked like a blessing was being conducted, as the group had their heads bowed.

"They were in a little car park area by the sports field."

Kelston Boys High School principal Brian Evans was on his way to the school when the Herald rang him.

"I know absolutely nothing about it. I'm just going there now, I saw it on your website."

He said there were no sports matches scheduled for today.

"The school's open on Sunday morning, there is a church that uses the school, so the school was open but I'll go and try find out myself what's happened."