More forensic tests after man's 'unexplained' death

A young man who died suddenly at a family gathering in "unexplained" circumstances was believed to have struggled with a heart condition.

Vernon Bidois, 23, died on Saturday evening after collapsing at his mother's 40th birthday party at a rural property in Te Puna, just outside Tauranga.

Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Turner said a post mortem in Auckland last night was inconclusive, and police have requested further forensic tests.

Earlier police had said Mr Bidois died in "unexplained" circumstances.

A family member said Mr Bidois was believed to have died from a heart attack. She said he had been "a sick child" and was heavily medicated.

He had been unable to work for many years because of his illness.

Mr Bidois' body was released by police yesterday, and taken to Poututerangi marae in Te Puna by his family.

The family did not want to comment last night, saying it had been a very stressful weekend for them.