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The parents of a talented young New Zealand golfer who died in Dubai last week say they are struggling to accept the "official version" of their son's death.
Aaron Nicholas Mahoney, 24, of Christchurch, died instantly when the police car he was in crashed and overturned on Wednesday.
The Khaleej Times reported that he was picked up by police after being drunk outside the Al Majara Tower in Dubai Marina, handcuffed and put in a vehicle.
The paper reported that Mahoney tried to strangle the driver of the police car. When the other police officer tried to restrain him the car went out of control, hit another car and flipped, killing Mahoney and leaving one of the policemen with serious injuries.
Mahoney had only been in the United Arab Emirates for two days as part of a 10-day golf academy with Melbourne professional golfer Ramsay McMasters.
Mahoney's father Paul, a former professional golfer who owns mini-putt courses around the country, told The Press the family did not know what had happened but had a hard time accepting the "official version".
"As far as we are concerned we know our son, and there's two sides to any story. We have heard the official version but we have not had the findings. Our kid was in the wrong place at the wrong time. We want to know if there is any foul play."
Mahoney's mother, Sabina Mahoney, said she was numb with shock.
"I dropped him off at the airport, said goodbye and see you in 10 days."
Mahoney's family was last night concentrating on getting their son home.
Mr Mahoney said his son had been playing golf since he was 10 years old and was hoping to become a professional golfer.
He won three New Zealand regional titles, including the North Island Under-19 Amateur Championship in 2001.
He played for the Russley Club in Christchurch but spent most of the past two years in Melbourne.
- NZPA
