Hero firefighter who helped pull students from burning CTV building during Christchurch quake dies

Mark Whittaker, a hero firefighter who risked his life to save others in the CTV building, has died.

A celebrated firefighter awarded for bravery during the Christchurch earthquakes has died unexpectedly at home.

Mark David Whittaker, 45, died suddenly on Tuesday.

Whittaker's bravery in the 2011 quake was recognised with a New Zealand bravery award in 2014.

He was part of a team of firefighters who tunnelled into the burning CTV building and rescued a group of trapped students.

With others, Whittaker worked to pass debris backwards along their own bodies because there was no space to turn around.

The team of tunnellers, including Whittaker, eventually found a small group of students trapped under a beam.

Two bodies had to be removed before they could rescue one student who was trapped by her ankle and another who was trapped by his head.

A third student could not be freed until a civilian doctor performed an amputation through an access hole from above.

Whittaker's death has been described as a complete shock to family and friends.

Canterbury firefighters paid tribute to "one hell of a firefighter, one hell of a man" and his contribution to basketball was remembered by Canterbury Basketball.

"The entire Canterbury Basketball community is heartbroken... Mark Whittaker was extremely passionate about basketball, was recognised as a hero for his work as a firefighter, as well as being an outstanding father, husband, friend, son."

He is survived by wife Caroline and children Charlotte, Mason, and Lauren.

A funeral will be held in the Rangiora Chapel, Wai-mana, on Thursday, with a private cremation to follow.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand staff were invited to wear uniform and medals to the service.

Caroline said the service will be live streamed for those who can not attend.