LA transit blamed for swine flu death

The family of a New Plymouth man who died of swine flu in Canada last week believes he caught it while in overnight transit in Los Angeles.

Paul William Hartigan, 41, travelled to Calgary to support his stepdaughter army private Kirsty Lister who was competing in WorldSkills 2009, an event in which young professionals from trades, service and technical programmes show off their talents.

A family spokeswoman told The Taranaki Daily News the fit, healthy man developed pneumonia as a result of contracting swine flu.

Symptoms first appeared the day after arrived in Canada two weeks ago and his family believed he picked up swine flu in Los Angeles. He died last Thursday.

"He was a fit, healthy, strong man in training for the half marathon," the spokeswoman said.

"We are all just in shock."

Mr Hartigan's wife, Roslyn, was in quarantine after becoming sick.

Pte Lister's two brothers had flown to Canada to support their mother and sister.

New Zealand team spokesman Peter Spencer said Pte Lister had withdrawn from the event after her stepfather's death but the rest of the 17-strong team would continue on.

"We are from New Zealand. We don't give up," he said.

- NZPA