Fresh charges depend on autopsy findings

Duncan Barrowman is survived by his wife and four children. Cook Islands police say new charges may be laid in relation to the death of a New Zealand man who was hit by a truck last week. Photo / Supplied

The Aucklander, Duncan Barrowman, aged 43, was in Rarotonga for a Golden Oldies rugby tournament and died after being hit by the truck just after midnight last Friday.

A carpenter, aged 31, was charged with drink-driving in relation to the crash.

Detective Inspector Akatauira Matapo told Radio New Zealand that the man would reappear in court today.

Mr Matapo said the results of a post- mortem examination by Auckland pathologists would determine whether further charges would be laid.

He said there had been an exchange of words between the local man and some of Mr Barrowman's teammates on the night of the crash.

Manukau Rovers Rugby Club members told the Herald that Mr Barrowman, a truck driver, was walking from a pub to the Golden Oldies team's hotel.

Manukau Rovers committee member Shaun Singleton said members who were walking with Mr Barrowman reported that the driver swerved off the road.

He alleged the truck had been driven by a man earlier asked to leave the pub when he became aggressive towards the Kiwis.

Mr Barrowman is survived by his wife, Mani, and their children Thomas, 10, Gus, 9, Rachel, 7, and Andrew 5.

- NZPA