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Home / Hawkes Bay Today

Woman charged with drink-driving over death of Reif Cotter who fell from car roof

Hawkes Bay Today
10 Feb, 2025 07:53 PMQuick Read

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Napier father Reif Cotter died in the incident on December 27. Photo / Supplied

Napier father Reif Cotter died in the incident on December 27. Photo / Supplied

A woman was charged with drink-driving and reckless driving after the death of a man who was car-surfing in Napier.

Napier father Reif Cotter, 33, died on the night of December 27 after falling from a mattress on top of a car travelling in Nuffield Ave, Marewa.

Police said on Tuesday they had charged a 23-year-old woman with driving with excess breath alcohol and reckless driving causing death.

The woman was arrested in Hastings on Monday.

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“Police are not seeking anyone else in relation to this incident,” a police statement says.

She is due to appear in the Napier District Court on February 20.

Cotter played for Eskview and Districts Rugby Football Club and was remembered fondly by family and friends as a “top bloke, great rugby player and family man”.

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