Coroner to look at Winz worker's sudden death

The Winz worker reportedly knew the man accused of shooting dead two of her colleagues at the Ashburton site. File photo / Martin Hunter

The coroner will investigate after a Work and Income employee died six days after two colleagues were murdered in Ashburton.

Carol Margaret Orsbourn died suddenly at home on September 7, after Leigh Cleveland and Peggy Noble were shot dead at the Ashburton Work and Income office.

Ms Orsbourn's death was not believed to be suspicious and The Press reported that it had had been referred to the coroner.

Ms Orsbourn was based in Christchurch but reportedly had dealings with Russell John Tully.

The homeless man, 48, was charged with murder after the September 1 Ashburton shootings.

Tully is also accused of attempting to murder two other Work and Income staff members.