Man charged with manslaughter over death of Chanel Henwood at Invercargill party

A man has been charged with manslaughter after the death of Chanel Henwood at the Marist Rugby Club in Invercargill. Photo / Google

A manslaughter charge has been laid after a man was killed while at a birthday function at the Marist Rugby Club in Invercargill earlier this month.

Police said the 32-year-old man who had been charged with assault in relation to the death of Chanel Lee Simmonds, who also went by the surname Henwood, is now facing a charge of manslaughter.

The 27-year-old died following an alleged assault while at a party held at the Marist Old Boys Football Club in Georgetown on Saturday February 10.

Emergency services were called to the club shortly before midnight. The victim was unresponsive when crews arrived and attempts to revive him were unsuccessful.

Marist club president Bill Dowling said the function held there had no affiliation with the club and was hired out for a private event.

He said the birthday was initially meant to be held at another venue, but it had been double-booked.

"It could have been anywhere,'' he said.

The 32-year-old man would reappear in Invercargill District Court tomorrow.