“This evidence does point towards the possibility that Mr Potter had become locked in his vehicle immediately before his death. “I accept that excessive heat and/or stress may be relevant factors in his death,” the coroner said. However, Coroner Schirnack said the evidence supporting this theory was inconclusive. He may have suffered the fatal cardiac event without perceiving that he was trapped and/or becoming overwhelmed by heat,” Schirnack said. Coroner Schirnack extended his condolences to Potter’s family and community.

Source: New Zealand Herald March 08, 2026 19:00 UTC