24-year-old's death investigated

Police are investigating the death of the 24-year-old son of a former Auckland City councillor and nephew of a former Prime Minister.

Edward Hinchcliff was taken to hospital about 2.30pm on Thursday after collapsing in Hobson St. He died later that day of a brain aneurysm.

Police spokeswoman Darragh O'Riordan said his death had not appeared suspicious until the unexplained bruising became apparent. It was unclear if he had been robbed.

Mr Hinchcliff - son of former councillor and AUT president Dr John Hinchcliff and his wife Laurie and nephew of Sir Geoffrey Palmer - had been driving a white Mazda Familia station wagon, registration CSS949. It had not been found.

Police are seeking information on his movements before he arrived at SkyCity at 2pm. Mr Hinchcliff, 190cm tall and of slight build, was wearing blue jeans and a basketball-style white singlet.

- NZPA