Dying paraglider refused help, court told

A paraglider who refused an ambulance paid with his life, the Christchurch Coroner's Court was told this week.

John Winiata, 44, died after falling up to 20m while paragliding on Christchurch's Port Hills last December 2.

Constable Dion Kitchin told the court Daniel Litherland and Gareth Jones rushed to help Mr Winiata, The Press reported.

However, Mr Winiata asked that an ambulance not be called - despite telling Litherland he was "f....." - as he believed he would have to pay for it.

Mr Winiata, who suffered injuries to his bottom and knee, said he would "catch his breath" before going home.

Emergency services were called 35-45 minutes later when he showed no sign of improving. However, they were too late and Mr Winiata died at the scene of internal bleeding.

Coroner Richard McElrea concluded Mr Winiata had "made an error of judgment" by deciding to paraglide in the conditions and then resisting attempts to call emergency services.

"No fault lies with the two witnesses that came to his assistance," Mr McElrea said.

It was "regrettable that he resisted the calling of emergency services"; it would have cost him nothing as it would have been covered by ACC.

Mr Winiata's daughter, Hannah Winiata, told The Press outside the court: "He thought the ambulance was going to cost money and didn't want to pay. He just thought he was OK."

- NZPA