Coroner finds methamphetamine caused Gisborne diver Benjamin Rangi Murray’s death

Murray had been advised by a doctor not to dive until chest pain had eased. Image / Getty

An experienced diver who began seizing off the Tairāwhiti coast died from methamphetamine intoxication, a coroner has found.

On November 29 last year, Benjamin Rangi Murray met a family member and an acquaintance near the Tatapouri Fishing Club in Gisborne before taking his boat out for an afternoon dive.

The 58-year-old, who was physically fit and in good general health, was a qualified diving instructor.

After pulling the boat into a cove off Kaiti Beach, Murray showed his relative how to use the diving tanks, which he used to descend and collect kina.

After his relative returned to the vessel, Murray entered the water for a free dive.

About 20 minutes later, the relative sensed something was wrong after hearing Murray call out with a loud groan, and saw Murray “seizing” in the water.

He jumped into the sea and attempted to haul Murray back onto the boat but was unable to, holding onto him until a larger boat arrived.

Murray was still “breathing but not in a good way”, his relative said.

Paramedics were waiting when the larger vessel arrived, but Murray collapsed in front of them and could not be revived.

Coroner Rachael Schmidt-McCleave released her findings into Murray’s death today.

Coroner’s findings

A post-mortem toxicology analysis conducted by pathologist Dr Jason Lozano found methamphetamine in Murray’s blood at a level associated with toxic effects.

There was no evidence of injury, drowning or any diving-related cause of death.

Lozano said methamphetamine can place severe stress on the heart and in some cases cause “hypertensive surges, and sudden circulatory collapse”.

Lozano noted Murray had experienced intermittent chest pain in the weeks before his death, which may have indicated an underlying heart condition that could increase the risks.

The findings also revealed Murray had been told by a doctor not to dive until his chest pain and respiratory symptoms had settled.

However, Lozano noted methamphetamine alone can be enough to cause sudden death.

In the findings, Coroner Schmidt-McCleave said Murray’s death was preventable.

“Diving is a physically and mentally demanding activity that requires focus, quick reactions and good decision-making,” she said.

“The use of alcohol and/or recreational drugs significantly impairs these abilities and greatly increases the risks associated with diving.”

Coroner Schmidt-McCleave also issued a reminder to recreational divers to ensure they are medically fit to dive and to seek medical advice when their health changes.

‘A preventable tragedy’ - Water Safety NZ

Water Safety New Zealand’s Kaihautū Māori, Rob Hewitt, said Murray’s death was “a preventable tragedy”.

“My heart goes out to the whānau and everyone who loved this man.”

Hewitt warned people who drink alcohol or use drugs to consider how the substances affect them around water, “even if it was many days or hours before you head out”.

“Māori men, Pasifika men, men of all shapes and sizes, can become overconfident about our ability in the water,” he said.

“It’s critical to know our limits and understand how alcohol and other drugs affect the body.”