Good samaritan dies following assault

The 64-year-old man never gained consciousness. Photo / File

A man who was allegedly attacked by a hitchhiker he gave a ride to has died.

Gordon Alfred Tunnicliffe, 64, never regained consciousness after the alleged attack in his home near Turangi on April 14.

He died in Cranford Hospice, Hastings, late yesterday, police said in a statement.
Mr Tunnicliffe reportedly picked up a man while travelling from Taupo, offered to put him up for the night and was assaulted during a confrontation.

St John paramedics were called to the house at about 1am to find Mr Tunnicliffe in a critical condition with severe head injuries.

A 21-year-old man was arrested soon afterwards and was charged with assault.

Police said they would consider the results of a post mortem examination, due to be carried out tomorrow, before seeking advice on whether to lay more serious charges.

The accused man remains in police custody and is due to appear in Taupo District Court again on May 8.

Mr Tunnicliffe was initially treated at Waikato Hospital but was transferred to the hospice so he could be closer to his grieving family.

He is survived by his sister and her family, who did not want to speak publicly.

Residents of his tiny settlement of Tokaanu, near Turangi, told the New Zealand Herald of their shock after the incident occurred.

His friend Andrew Blake said he was left "shocked and speechless" at the attack. He described Mr Tunnicliffe, who had been receiving a benefit for an injury, as a kind-hearted man who loved company and took in two dogs to look after.

"Everyone likes him ... He's a hell of a nice guy and loves helping people. Picking up and helping a hitchhiker would be totally in character for him - he's very trusting."

His funeral will be held later this week in Hastings.