NZ man living in Brazil died of heart attack - reports

Hypertension has been blamed for the death of a New Zealand man in Brazil who was initially believed to have been poisoned. File photo / Thinkstock

A New Zealand man found dead in Brazil probably died of a heart attack and was not poisoned, as was earlier suspected, a Brazilian newspaper has reported.

The body of Patrick Dunphy, 63, was found in his apartment in Joinville, southern Brazil on June 16.

Police initially said there was evidence he had been poisoned and four cups were found in his apartment, indicating he had not been alone when he died.

However, an autopsy carried out on Wednesday concluded the probable cause of death was a heart attack caused by "some substance", A Noticia reported.

Coroner Nelson Quirino said he did not believe he had been poisoned and that the heart attack was triggered by hypertension.

Portions of his liver, lung, and heart were yet to be analysed to confirm the coroner's report.

Mr Dunphy's New Zealand family have expressed frustration at the lack of information they had received from Brazilian authorities.

The British-born father-of three was raised in Tuakau south of Auckland, and went to Mt Albert Grammar School in Auckland.

He worked as a translator in Brazil.

- NZPA