Hunter killed on the West Coast

A man has died after falling from a ridgeline on the West Coast tonight.

Police said the man, who had been on a hunting trip with a friend, slipped from the ridgeline near Whataroa.

He was killed in the fall, a statement said.

"His partner went for assistance and was rescued by police.''

The dead man's friend is now being supported by Victim Support.

A search and rescue team will attempt to retrieve the man's body tomorrow.

Authorities are working to notify the man's next of kin and the death has been referred to the Coroner.