Coroner finds drugs and cold water caused fatal crane jump

Wednesday 11 June 2025 · 6 outlets · 6 reports · updated Wed 11 Jun 2025, 10:38am

A coroner has ruled that Jarreth Colquhoun died from methamphetamine and cold water immersion after jumping from the SS Hikitia crane in Wellington. The 33-year-old leapt from the waterfront structure in January 2024. Recommendations include keeping the crane turned away from the water and installing motion-activated voice trespass notices.

How they headlined it

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1. RNZWed 11 Jun 2025, 4:58am

   Man who died jumping from Wellington waterfront crane was on mix of drugs and alcohol - coroner (opens in new tab)

2. NZ HeraldWed 11 Jun 2025, 5:00am

   Crane jump tragedy: Meth and cold water caused Jarreth Colquhoun’s death in Wellington Harbour (opens in new tab)

3. StuffWed 11 Jun 2025, 5:00am

   Crane should be permanently turned away from Wellington’s waterfront after death - coroner (opens in new tab)

4. The PostWed 11 Jun 2025, 5:00am

   Wellington crane jumper misjudged the risk of fatal leap (opens in new tab)

5. 1News via RNZWed 11 Jun 2025, 7:44am

   Mix of meth and cold water immersion killed crane jumper (opens in new tab)

6. Otago Daily TimesWed 11 Jun 2025, 10:38am

   Mix of meth and cold water killed crane diver (opens in new tab)