Slain man's family still await body

By JON STOKES

Relatives of a New Zealand engineer gunned down in Iraq are still waiting for his body to be released from a Kirkuk hospital.

John Robert Tyrrell, an engineer on a road construction project in the oil-rich Kirkuk region, was killed on Monday when Iraqi gunmen opened fire with AK-47 rifles in a drive-by shooting as he, a South African colleague and their Iraqi driver were leaving their residence.

Jeff Tyrrell, brother of the 53-year-old father of three, said red tape was holding up the release of the body.

"We are well informed as to what is going on. Needless to say we are frustrated, but the circumstances are such that there is not much anyone can do at this point."

Mr Tyrrell was not able to elaborate on the specifics of the delay but said the family were becoming frustrated, especially as two brothers and a nephew were in Thailand awaiting the arrival of the body.

He said the priority was to get the remains to Thailand, where a Buddhist ceremony would be held for his brother's Thai family.

"Objective number one is to get John back to his family in Thailand and allow them to perform the Buddhist ceremony they need for their closure.

"Then we will take whatever steps are necessary in New Zealand. That may be in the form of a memorial service or something similar."

The New Plymouth resident has sent a strong warning to anyone considering working in the region, or family or friends of those in Iraq.

"Don't do it. I advise anybody with friends or family in that part of the world to do whatever they can to get them out. It's just not worth it.

"If there are people over there you love and you know, do what you can to get them out."

The warning was echoed by a Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesman.

"We strongly urge people working there to leave, and for those considering working there, don't go."

The spokesman said the ministry was aware of around 50 New Zealanders working in the country.

"The message is clear - don't go. If you're there, come back."

Herald Feature: Iraq