A homicide investigation has been launched following the death of a man in Rotorua. Photo / Ben Fraser
A homicide investigation has been launched following the death of a man in Rotorua. Photo / Ben Fraser
The stepdaughter of a man who died in Fordlands, sparking a homicide investigation, is devastated that flowers placed in tribute to him have been stolen.
Police have today named the man as Nicholas Patrick Mitchell, 37, from Rotorua.
Mitchell died after crashing into a tree on Ford Rd, Rotorua, about8.30pm on Friday, but police say his injuries were not consistent with a crash.
A house near the crash site has been cordoned off by police.
His stepdaughter, Phoenix Taylor, 17, told the Rotorua Daily Post he stepped up as her stepfather when no one else would.
“I cannot put into words how horrible I feel. Things were never supposed to end this way.”
Making her grief worse, flowers and a card Taylor left yesterday in tribute to her stepfather at the scene where he died had already gone.
“It hardly even took a day for them to be stolen. To the people who took those, sincerely, enjoy the bad luck.”
She said taking flowers from a memorial site was a “disgusting” thing to do.
“In hard times, people are supposed to come together and support one another. Instead of making comments about, stealing from, or gossiping about the dead, show some respect and allow the whānau to grieve.”
Mitchell formerly worked in the dairy farm industry and was the recipient of a dairy manager merit award in the 2019 Central Plateau Share Farmer of the Year awards.
Rotorua police area investigations manager Senior Sergeant Mark Van Kempen said the police’s thoughts were with Mitchell’s family and friends during this difficult time.
Van Kempen said the homicide investigation into his death was ongoing and police were conducting a large area canvass as part of enquiries in Fordlands today.
“We are still urging anyone who was in or around Ford Rd between 8pm and 8.45pm on Friday to come forward.
“We know that someone in the community will have information that will be important to the investigation, and we ask that you contact us immediately.
“We understand that people may be worried or cautious to come forward, however any information can be treated confidentially,” he said.
Police would also like to hear from anyone who saw a white Toyota Hiace van, registration DFR734, on Ford Rd or the surrounding areas, during that time.
Anybody with information should contact the police via 105, either over the phone or online, referencing file number 251212/4041.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
A forensic examination of the scene and vehicle was carried out on Saturday, and a post-mortem examination was carried out yesterday.
Kelly Makiha is a senior journalist who has reported for the Rotorua Daily Post for more than 25 years, covering mainly police, court, human interest and social issues.
