Ken Poihipi, 62, was taken to Middlemore Hospital in a critical condition after a fight on the corner of Elliot St and Great South Rd about 2.40am on Saturday. Photo / Facebook
Ken Poihipi, 62, was taken to Middlemore Hospital in a critical condition after a fight on the corner of Elliot St and Great South Rd about 2.40am on Saturday. Photo / Facebook
A "Good Samaritan" who died after reportedly trying to stop a fight died from a medical condition, say police.
Ken Poihipi, 62, who lived in Auckland's Clendon Park, died after a fight on the corner of Elliot St and Great South Rd in Papakura about 2.40am.
He was taken toMiddlemore Hospital in a critical condition but later died.
It is understood he was trying to prevent a younger man from being beaten up.
Police said yesterday that they had opened a homicide investigation into the incident.
But tonight they said that as a result of the post mortem last night, it appeared Poihipi suffered from a medical condition and his death was a result of that.
"No charges have been laid in relation to his death at this time," said Detective Senior Sergeant Richard O'Connor.
"Police are continuing their investigation. Police would like to thank the public for their assistance in this matter and would still appreciate hearing from anyone who may have information."
A family member, who asked not to be named, said the news of Poihipi's death came as a shock but she would not be surprised if he was trying to help break up a fight.
"He was just there for anyone - whether you were family, stranger - he was always there. He was that sort of guy.
"If he saw anything and someone needed help, he'd stop and help ... He'd talk people down and say 'come on, calm down, go home' and I'm betting that was what he was trying to do.
"I'm just so proud of him because that's how he was. He would help anyone from any race ... He'd go without and give to others. He was a great guy. He was an awesome person. Who would want to hurt him?"
She said Poihipi had adult children as well as a school-aged son but his wife had passed away about five years ago.
People with information can contact the Operation Cyclone team on (09) 295 0200.
