Party death ruled a homicide

A man's sudden death at a Christmas work party has been deemed a homicide - shocking staff members.

Police yesterday launched a homicide investigation into the death of Darren Grace, 40, after it was revealed that he had been asphyxiated.

Mr Grace died last Friday while attending the Pacific Hygiene company's end-of-year party on a yacht at the Viaduct Harbour.

Pacific Hygiene director Rodney Downs said staff were in shock.

"What started out to be a fantastic night celebrating our hard work throughout the year has ended in this.

"It's shattering. You read about this in the papers sometimes but you never think it's going to be you. We offer [Mr Grace's family] our condolences."

All efforts were made to try to revive Mr Grace, who collapsed about an hour and a half into the party, Mr Downs said.

Two nurses who were wives of staff members tried to revive him.

"We don't want [staff] blaming themselves, but when you're in a confined space trying to do CPR, it's not easy.

"We're dealing with it and we just have to see what the police have to say after [they have all the evidence]."

Up to 40 staff and their partners or friends who had been at the party were co-operating fully with police, he said.

Sources say the crime scene contained signs of a struggle and Mr Grace, who was a guest, had to be restrained - raising the possibility someone sat, or kneeled, on his chest, leading to the asphyxiation.

It is also understood there was vomit at the scene, and police initially investigated the possibility of a heart condition.

Detective Senior Sergeant Kevin Hooper refused to comment on the inquiry beyond a statement issued to media yesterday that said employees were helping police with inquiries.

Mr Downs said he had spoken to Mr Grace's father, who was "incredible" given the circumstances.