Westport homicide investigation: Dylan James Coleman named as victim, manslaughter charge laid

A homicide inquiry is under way after a man died following an altercation at a Westport motel last month. Image / Google Maps

The man who died following an altercation at a Westport motel can now be named.

The victim’s name is Dylan James Coleman, 31, of Westport.

Police responded to an altercation about 3.10pm on July 31 at a Palmerston St motel.

Coleman was located critically injured and flown to Greymouth Hospital, where he died later that evening.

A 35-year-old man was arrested at the scene and charged with wounding with reckless disregard.

He has now been charged with manslaughter and is due to appear in the Westport District Court on August 27.

West Coast area commander Inspector Jacqui Corner said police’s thoughts were with Coleman’s family at this extremely difficult time.

“We continue to offer them support.”

Buller District Mayor Jamie Cleine said the incident will come as a “shock to the community”.

“It’s extremely unusual for a serious incident such as that to happen in Westport.

“Palmerston St is the main street of Westport – and it’s certainly a very high-traffic area.

“And in a small town, news gets around pretty quickly.

“It’s always hard for communities when these things happen right in amongst us,” Cleine said.

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