Police investigate death of man with head injury

Police are investigating the death of a 21-year-old Manawatu man who was found on a Napier street with head injuries early on Sunday morning.

Senior Sergeant Bill Gregory said Nettin Ashok Patel, 21, was found unconscious lying on Faraday Street about 4am.

He had suffered a head injury and was taken to hospital but died later that day.

Napier police have launched an investigation into his death and have yet to determine whether it was accidental or suspicious.

Mr Gregory said Mr Patel left a Napier bar by taxi about 1.45am heading for Faraday Street with another person.

Police have yet to speak to the taxi driver.

Mr Gregory said police had spoken to Mr Patel's friend who had a limited memory of events.

The next confirmed sighting of Mr Patel was at 4am by two men who found him lying on the road.

Police would like to hear from anyone who saw the victim in Faraday Street, or anyone who was in Faraday Street between 2am and 4am.

A post-mortem examination was to be conducted today.

The Manawatu Standard reported Mr Patel was a representative hockey player studying at Massey University.

He had been captain of Awatapu College's first 11 for four years and was a New Zealand under-16 representative.

Sports coordinator Jeanette Daysh described him as an outstanding student.

- NZPA