Harbour Crossing death shocks friends and colleagues

The devastated family of a man who died while competing in Auckland's Harbour Crossing swim say he was a fit sportsman who enjoyed the outdoors.

Fraser Gregory Moors, 36, suffered a suspected heart attack during the swim, and members of Mairangi Bay Surf Life Saving tried to resuscitate him without success.

Friends from as far away as Chicago are expected to attend his funeral in Parnell today. Mr Moors, who studied geography at Otago University, had worked in the finance sector in London and on commercial farms in Zimbabwe before returning to New Zealand for postgraduate study. "He was very versatile, and it's a big shock for us to lose him," said his uncle, James Gerard.

Mr Moors was the environmental services manager at Sanford and had worked for the seafood company since mid-2003. Mr Gerard said his nephew was involved in calculations of seafood stocks around New Zealand.

Mr Gerard said Mr Moors loved the outdoors and he and wife Loree had hiked from the North Cape to Hokianga with friends last year.

Mr Moors was also involved with the New Zealand Business Council for Sustainable Development through his work at Sanford.

A work colleague said Mr Moors was conscientious and well regarded.

He was "a fit guy who looked after himself" and his death was a shock to staff.

The swim started from Stanley Bay in Devonport and crossed the harbour to Auckland Viaduct and attracted 900 entries.