Man killed in hedge trimming accident named

Photo / Kurt Bayer

Police have named the Culverden man killed in a freak hedge trimming accident in North Canterbury earlier today.

Nigel David Spackman, 34, was using an industrial hedge trimmer on Leader Road, about four kilometres from Waiau, at about 9.40am when the accident happened.

Police said it appeared Mr Spackman, who was working as a contractor, stepped down from the machine and walked in front of the trimming blade while it was still operating, suffering serious head injuries.

Police and emergency services have been at the scene, along with occupational safety and health investigators from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

Mr Spackman's body was removed from the scene and road closures in the area were lifted by mid-afternoon.

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The death has now been referred to the Coroner.

- nzherald.co.nz