A young American basketballer who collapsed and died after jogging in New Plymouth suffered heart failure.
New Plymouth coroner Roger Mori said yesterday that Kendall Regis, aged 22, from New Orleans, died after the run on Monday.
An autopsy found he died of natural causes, and Mr Mori said he did
not intend to hold a formal inquest.
Regis, who was visiting New Plymouth, had been in New Zealand since May and was signed to the Wellington College Saints basketball team.
Saints co-coach Brian Powell said the death had shocked everyone.
"He was as fit as can be, he didn't drink, he didn't smoke. It's crazy."
Regis' body will be flown back to the United States for a funeral.
Mr Powell said there were plans to hold a memorial service in Wellington this week.
In May, Regis, who played at centre, toured New Zealand with his Planet Basketball team, made up of Washington State and Louisiana University players, and had decided to stay here until August.
Regis graduated from Louisiana University last year with a business degree.
He played for four years in the first division of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
- NZPA
