Skater's death referred to coroner

He suffered critical injuries and was rushed to hospital just after 6am. He died soon after.

The death of a 22-year-old student who fell from his skateboard and suffered a fatal head injury has been referred to the coroner.

Alexander Thomas Pinfold, known as Pinny, was skateboarding on a Kohimarama street early on Sunday morning when he fell and hit his head.

He suffered critical injuries and was rushed to hospital just after 6am. He died soon after.

Police investigated the 22-year-old's death and referred the case to the coroner. For that reason they could not comment further about the circumstances of Mr Pinfold's fall or death.

A spokesman for the coroner said the file had been received but no further information was available.

Mr Pinfold was one of four children and attended King's College in Auckland and Otago University where he studied commerce. He was the treasurer of the university's commerce students' society OCOM.

He is survived by his parents Graeme and Mary and brothers Nicholas, Oliver and Daniel.

A death notice published by the family said he was the loved boyfriend of Lara Wilcox.

"Alexander died tragically as a result of an accident and has been taken from us far too soon," the notice read.

"He lived life to the fullest and crammed each day with fun, laughter and enjoyment which touched us all.

"Alexander, we all have our very special and valued memories of you and while you are gone from this life, you will live with us forever in our hearts."

Mr Pinfold was described as a loved and treasured son, cherished brother, dearly loved grandson, spirited nephew and special cousin.

His funeral will be held at St Patrick's Cathedral in central Auckland at 1pm tomorrow.

"In lieu of flowers Alexander would have loved you to support Surf Lifesaving NZ," his family requested.

It is unclear whether Mr Pinfold was wearing a helmet but it is legal to ride a skateboard on the road without a helmet.

In the three years from 2011 to 2013 there were 24,684 ACC claims in relation to accidents involving skateboards.

ACC said that fewer than three people had died in skateboard-related accidents.

Additional reporting: Nicholas Jones

Skateboarding ACC claims

2011: 8452

2012: 8369

2013: 7863

Fatals: Fewer than 3, 2011-13