Former Gloriavale teenager found dead in suspected suicide at West Coast hotel

Gloriavale Christian Community located at Haupiri on the West Coast of the South Island. Photo / George Heard

• An 18-year-old who grew up at Gloriavale Christian Community has died in a suspected suicide.
• Police said the death is not suspicious and will be referred to the coroner.
• The man took court action after losing three fingers working at Gloriavale’s honey company.

A teenager who grew up inside Gloriavale Christian Community has died in a suspected suicide at a West Coast hotel.

The 18-year-old man who had left the community was found dead at Greymouth’s Paroa Hotel at 2.30pm on Sunday.

A police spokesperson said the sudden death was not being treated as suspicious and would be referred to the coroner.

Paroa Hotel’s management posted on its social media about the “tragic incident”.

“We’re deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred on our premises on Sunday afternoon,” the post says.

“Our hearts go out to the family, friends and loved ones of the individual affected.

“We’re working closely with the local authorities, and we’ll be arranging a blessing in the near future for anyone who is interested in attending.

“The well-being of everyone in our community is our utmost priority, and we encourage anyone who may need support to reach out to trusted friends, family, or professional services. If you or someone you know is struggling, please don’t hesitate to seek help.”

The man was granted permanent name suppression by an Employment Court judge after taking Gloriavale to court when he lost three fingers while working at its honey company in 2019.

He left the community, which has about 600 members on sprawling land at Haupiri, 60km inland from Greymouth on the South Island’s West Coast, in 2020.

But he later dropped his court case against after the judge heard claims that “undue pressure” was being placed on him, Stuff reports.

It comes after a young Gloriavale man was found with critical injuries on October 23, 2018 in a paint shop where he worked at West Coast property.

Sincere Standtrue died at Gloriavale in 2018. A Coroner has held an inquest into his sudden passing. Photo / Supplied

Sincere Standtrue, a 20-year-old who was deaf and had other physical and intellectual challenges, was rushed to Christchurch Hospital where he later died.

An inquest was held earlier this year at Greymouth District Court to determine whether Standtrue took his own life or died accidentally.

Coroner Alexandra Cunninghame’s findings are expected to be released next year.

SUICIDE AND DEPRESSION