Police release photos to help identify man found dead in Heathcote Valley

Tuesday 23 September 2025 · 6 outlets · 7 reports · updated Tue 23 Sep 2025, 4:00pm

Police have shared images of a backpack and various items, including gloves and a bike pump, found with an unidentified man in Christchurch's Heathcote Valley last Friday. The man is believed to be in his 30s or 40s and has a distinctive birthmark on his left forearm. Authorities hope the gear will help identify him.

How they headlined it

4h

9:59am4pm

1. The PressTue 23 Sep 2025, 9:59am

   Police release photos in bid to identify man found dead in Christchurch’s Heathcote Valley (opens in new tab)

2. 1NewsTue 23 Sep 2025, 10:45am

   Police share photos, contents of bag found with unidentified man (opens in new tab)

3. NZ HeraldTue 23 Sep 2025, 10:54am

   Police release photos of backpack, travelling gear, after body found in Heathcote Valley (opens in new tab)

   • A deeper look at items that could solve Christchurch identity mystery after man with unusual birthmark found dead (opens in new tab) Tue 23 Sep 2025, 4:00pm
4. RNZTue 23 Sep 2025, 10:57am

   Heathcote Valley death: Police release pictures in bid to identify man found dead in Heathcote Valley (opens in new tab)

5. Otago Daily TimesTue 23 Sep 2025, 11:13am

   Police hope gear will help identify dead Christchurch man (opens in new tab)

6. StuffTue 23 Sep 2025, 11:31am

   Mystery over dead man’s identity: Police hope photos will spark clues (opens in new tab)