Coroner: MMA fighter Hakaraia Wilson’s death after Rhythm & Vines self-inflicted

Hakaraia Wilson, who died after the Rhythm & Vines festival in January last year, had a 4-3 pro MMA record. Photo / Instagram

This article deals with the subject of suicide and may be disturbing to some readers.

A Kiwi MMA fighter who died after attending the country’s biggest music festival took his own life while under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Coroner Meenal Duggal has confirmed Hakaraia Wilson’s death in Gisborne on the morning of January 1, 2025, was not suspicious and was instead self-inflicted.

The 26-year-old had been staying at a friend’s house while attending the Rhythm & Vines music festival at the end of 2024.

According to a just-released coroner’s report, toxicology analysis found the amateur fighter was under the influence of alcohol. Cocaine and MDMA were also detected in his blood.

Wilson left the festival in the early hours of January 1 to attend a house party. He left the party after a minor disagreement with another attendee.

“Mr Wilson was picked up by a friend who had known him for about two years. The friend described him to police as being ‘on drugs’ and ‘a bit funny’,” the coroner said.

“The friend stated that Mr Wilson was crying. He made a bed for Mr Wilson on his sofa and last saw him at about 6am on January 1, 2025.”

The friend’s mother found him dead at about 8.30am.

The coroner also said, “Mr Wilson last saw his general practitioner for a concussion on December 12, 2024. He reported a punch to the left side of his head about five days earlier and several concussions in the past. He had some amnesia but no other symptoms. He planned to meet with his coach who intended to refer him to their concussion specialist.”

Coroner Duggal said: “Police are satisfied that there is nothing suspicious or untoward in relation to Mr Wilson’s death. No evidence was found to indicate the involvement of any other person in the death. I accept this advice.”

Wilson began his amateur career in 2020 and had a 4-3 pro MMA record. His last bout was a win in October 2024 over Filipino opponent Mark Alcoba at the Canggu Fight Night 32 event in Bali.

He posted on Instagram after the victory, his fourth win in his last five bouts.

“Took an L in May, learned from it & turned da page. Been waiting a minute for a chance to wash dat taste out of my mouth n show how much I’ve grown. Shout out to my coaches n my people for havin my back thru it all. Forever in debt. I love this s*** & I’m here to stay.”

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Wilson was part of Oliver MMA gym. Founder Steve Oliver shared a photo on Facebook and many posted messages of condolences.

He trained at Soma Fight Club in the Indonesian city of Bali.

“With you always,” the club posted on Instagram after Wilson’s death, alongside a broken heart emoji and a photo of Wilson. “Rest easy young warrior, always in our hearts forever more. We will carry you with us into battle always. “Until we see you again, we love you Hakaraia.”

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Friends and family also paid tribute to Wilson on the fighter’s Instagram account.

“Rest easy bro,” one follower said.

“My Bro love you man may you rest in peace,” another added.

The family was approached for comment.

Nathan Limm has been a journalist with Newstalk ZB and the NZ Herald since 2020. He covered the Netball World Cup in Cape Town in 2023, hosts The Big League Podcast and commentates rugby and netball for Gold Sport.