Suicides left in-vitro baby an orphan

A West Coast baby conceived through in-vitro fertilisation was an orphan at seven months when both parents took their lives last year.

Brendon Graeme Alexander, 32, of Reefton, took his life six weeks after his partner's suicide, the Westport coroner ruled yesterday.

Police found Mr Alexander dead in a car on an isolated track near Reefton in on April 28.

An inquest last month into the death of his partner, Leanne Wishart, found she had committed suicide the day after mental health services said she was at no risk of self-harm. Coroner Peter Roselli said it was a particularly sad case and a harrowing experience for the families.