Police name forestry worker killed by tree

A forestry worker who died after being struck by a falling tree in Marlborough yesterday has been named.

He was Sean Elliot Mortensen, 34, of Blenheim.

Mr Mortensen was logging at Robin Hood Bay, about 20km from Blenheim, when he was pinned beneath the tree about 10am.

"Colleagues in the vicinity responded quickly and co-ordinated emergency services to the site but unfortunately were unable to save (him)," Sergeant Michael Porter said.

Mr Mortensen died at the scene.

Mr Porter said the "tragic situation" was made worse after someone listening in on a police scanner informed the wrong family of the accident.

"This inconsiderate action caused a chain of events which tied up police and victim support services in tasks that diverted them from their other more pressing duties," he said.

"More importantly, the negligent behaviour of this person reacting to what he or she heard on a police scanner caused undue stress on the family of the person wrongly advised."

Police and the Department of Labour were investigating the death.

- NZPA