Coroner finds Christchurch man died in high-speed crash after drinking

Thursday 27 August 2026 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated Thu 27 Aug, 5:00am

A coroner has found that 30-year-old Kyle O’Brien died after his ute crashed at high speed on Christchurch's Yaldhurst Road in November 2022. Toxicology tests showed O’Brien had been drinking for nearly four hours and had a blood alcohol level more than three times the legal limit.

How they headlined it

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1. StuffThu 27 Aug, 4:00am

   Disqualified drink-driver, 30, died after barrel-rolling ute in 120kph crash (opens in new tab)

2. The PressThu 27 Aug, 4:00am

   Christchurch man died after high-speed crash following night of drinking (opens in new tab)

3. NZ HeraldThu 27 Aug, 5:00am

   Coroner publishes findings after Kyle O’Brien dies in Christchurch drink-driving crash (opens in new tab)