Customers and staff at busy West City Mall urged to seek help after witnessing man’s death

Shoppers and staff at the large West City Mall are being urged to seek support after witnessing the tragic incident.

Warning: This article could be distressing.

Customers and staff at busy Auckland mall West City Waitākere are being urged to seek support after the sudden death of a man there today.

The tragic incident happened during the midday rush on Tuesday and was witnessed by nearby staff and dozens of customers, including high school students.

The Herald understands the man was at the indoor mall with a family member.

“It took a while to process what had happened and it still doesn’t feel real,” one shopper told the Herald.

Another said the situation was “incredibly traumatic and something that will be with me forever”.

Police and emergency services received the call at 12.20pm yesterday and were at the mall within 10 minutes and cordoned off the area.

The man died at the scene and police confirmed his death was not suspicious and has been referred to the Coroner.

Some who witnessed the incident shared their grief on the community Facebook page.

Two customers in her store ran to the man’s aid and called emergency services.

“This is so traumatising, I never want to step foot in that mall again,” the woman said. She said her thoughts were with the man and his family.

At least some staff affected by the tragedy have been given the day off today to process the incident and seek help.

Principal Ros Robertson at Henderson High School said she was aware of the incident and students who were at the mall at lunchtime were being offered support.

The mall has come under fire from some because it remained open for the rest of the day.

Some insisted at least the section of the mall affected should have remained closed for the afternoon out of respect for the dead man and his family and also so staff could go home after the traumatic event.

“Very traumatic for staff and customers. How anyone could just carry on with their day after that, just awful,” one said.

Several customers said they would be laying a complaint with the mall for reopening so soon after the death.

In a statement, the managing agent of WestCity Mall, Savills Australia and New Zealand, said: “Savills is aware of an incident that took place yesterday at WestCity Shopping Centre. As investigations are ongoing, we are unable to comment further.”