Coroner finds heart disease and exertion caused diver's death

Thursday 13 November 2025 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated Thu 13 Nov 2025, 5:01am

A coroner has ruled that Gideon Te Ahuru died from a cardiac event caused by heart disease and physical exertion while scuba diving at Barrett's Reef. The 60-year-old Lower Hutt man died on Waitangi Day while diving for kina. He had been on a waiting list to see a specialist.

How they headlined it

5am

1. NZ HeraldThu 13 Nov 2025, 5:00am

   Wellington diver Gideon Te Ahuru’s death prompts warning from Coroner to be medically fit while scuba diving (opens in new tab)

2. The PostThu 13 Nov 2025, 5:00am

   Diver’s death linked to heart disease and physical exertion (opens in new tab)

3. RNZThu 13 Nov 2025, 5:01am

   Lower Hutt man who died of heart attack was on waiting list to see specialist (opens in new tab)