Police probe sudden death of port manager

Police are investigating the sudden death last night of well-known Westport man Dave Skinner.

The body of the 53-year-old Buller Port Services manager was found, dressed in running gear, beside the Carters Beach tiphead road about 8.20pm. The long-time harrier had no known history of heart disease and was believed to be fit and healthy.

West Coast police area commander Inspector John Canning said Mr Skinner had sustained some head injuries, which could have occurred as a result of him collapsing and falling.

"We're basically doing a scene search to ensure the sudden death is not a result of foul play," he said.

Police also had to consider whether Mr Skinner might have been the victim of a hit-and-run. There were reports of a drunk driver racing around Carters Beach last night.

Westport Sergeant Matthew Frost said family had organised a search last night when Mr Skinner failed to come home.

His body was found by two men, not involved in the search, as they were driving separately along the tiphead road. It was partly obscured by scrub immediately beside the road.

Mr Frost said police assumed Mr Skinner had been out running, but had yet to confirm that.

The body was being taken to Christchurch for an autopsy.

Mr Skinner headed the Holcim New Zealand subsidiary which runs Buller port on behalf of the Buller District Council, and chaired the Buller High School board of trustees and the Buller Rugby Union.

He is survived by his wife, Michelle, three children and two grandchildren.

- NZPA