Rare cause in police-cell death

Excited delirium syndrome involves psychotic behaviour, extreme body temperature and prompts an extreme 'fight or flight' response to the nervous system. Photo / File

Only one other person known to have died of syndrome linked to drug use

A man died in a police holding cell in Auckland last year from a rare condition that has been documented only once before in New Zealand.

The Herald on Sunday has learned that Sentry Taitoko died from excited delirium syndrome, which puts the body under extreme stress because of drug use or infection. It can cause a fatal heart attack or death by dehydration. It is understood there has been only one other documented case in New Zealand.

A source close to the case confirmed the results of Taitoko's autopsy, and said he had also removed his clothes in custody.

Excited delirium syndrome involves psychotic behaviour, extreme body temperature and prompts an extreme "fight or flight" response to the nervous system.

Forensic pathologist Martin Sage, who is not connected to the case, said the condition was usually seen in people who used drugs like methamphetamine and they often had extreme body temperatures because they were "literally hopping".

Otago University professor Pete Ellis, from the Department of Psychological Medicine, said it was rare in New Zealand for patients to die of the syndrome, but not unheard of. "If you've been charging around and not eating or drinking and exerting yourself to an extreme extent, maybe hitting people or actively fighting restraints, it could lead to fatal cardiac events," he said.

The Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) is expected to release a report into Taitoko's death within the next two months and would not comment on the case when contacted by the Herald on Sunday.

Peter Williams QC, who is acting for Taitoko's family, said he had not been informed of the cause of death.

Police would not comment on the case because a criminal investigation into his death was continuing. Taitoko died after being arrested at his Manurewa home in February last year. Police said he was "violent and aggressive" and family members had tried to restrain him.

He was in a monitored cell and a police doctor assessed him, but four hours later his breathing became laboured and he died despite efforts to revive him.