Speedway death was natural - coroner

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A man who died four days after being involved in a low-speed car crash at a speedway, died of natural causes, a coroner has found.

Temaiharoa Tarawahata Graham died from multiple organ failure after suffering a perforated bowel.

He was taken to Christchurch Hospital on December 15, 2012 after he stumbled and was struck by a slow-moving vehicle at the Ruapauna Speedway.

He died December 19, 2012 after multiple organ failure.

Coroner Richard McElrea was tasked with concluding whether the impact of the vehicle played a part in the perforation of Mr Graham's bowel, or whether it had occurred spontaneously.

Evidence from Mr Graham's widow and the driver of the vehicle involved in the collision differed slightly.

Bernadette Graham said her husband had become ill and got out of his car to vomit. He staggered and was struck by a vehicle.

The driver of the vehicle said he had been travelling no more than 2km/h and Mr Graham fell on to the bonnet of his vehicle.

The coroner concluded Mr Graham was likely to have suffered the perforated bowel before he was struck by the vehicle at the speedway.

He died from natural causes, the coroner said.