Muscular condition led to drowning, coroner rules

A "brilliant" pianist and popular Christchurch busker drowned in the Pelorus River after falling in and not being able to get out due to a muscular condition, the Blenheim Coroner's Court was told.

Joseph Fredrick Knowles, 47, was found on March 17 this year after a two-day search when he failed to return to his tent at Pelorus Bridge campground. He had been holidaying there.

Yesterday, Blenheim coroner Peter Radich listened to Mr Knowles' sister speak of her brother's deteriorating physical condition due to myotopic dystrophy.

While it had never been medically investigated, there was a family history of the disease.

She said his coordination had deteriorated to such a point that Mr Knowles, who held a Bachelor of Music and was a "brilliant pianist", was unable to play.

In recent years, Mr Knowles had suffered from decreasing muscular strength, she said.

Mr Radich commented that he had heard Mr Knowles busking outside Whitcoulls in Cashel St, Christchurch.

Constable Beau Webster said Mr Knowles' body was lying in around 3m of water in the Pelorus River, near a swimming hole known as Totara Flat.

There was no suggestion of any foul play or that Mr Knowles had taken his own life, he said.

Mr Radich found that Mr Knowles died on March 14 from drowning after falling into the river and being unable to get out due to his muscular condition.

- nzpa