Footage of Benjamin Hale's death played at Waikato River inquest

Tuesday 1 September 2026 · 3 outlets · 2 reports · updated Wed 2 Sep, 4:00am

In this story Ian Telford

An inquest into the 2018 death of Benjamin Hale heard footage of his final moments in the Waikato River. The video, captured via infra-red and thermal cameras, shows the Hamilton man drowning after fleeing from police. Coroner Ian Telford observed a moment of silence following the playback.

How they headlined it

10h

Tue 5:57pmWed 4am

1. NZ HeraldTue 1 Sep, 5:57pm

   Benjamin Hale inquest: Tears as footage of man’s last moments alive played to inquest (opens in new tab)

2. Waikato TimesWed 2 Sep, 4:00am

   ‘He’s going under’: Footage of fugitive drowning in Waikato River played at coroner’s inquest (opens in new tab)

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