Alexandra boy died in ‘medical event’

A 12yearyear old boy died in Haast township on Wednesday night.

Constable Paul Gurney, of Haast, said emergency services were called to a private address about 5.30pm after the boy was found unresponsive.

St John volunteers spent almost an hour trying to revive the boy, but he died at 6.30pm.

Police released his name yesterday morning.

He was Jesse Samuels, of Alexandra.

‘‘This was an absolute tragedy for the family,’’ Const Gurney said.

The family travelled back to Central Otago yesterday.

Const Gurney said for the family it was a sad way to end the school holidays.

NZCC rescue helicopter pilot Angus Taylor said the service had been put on alert but the weather prevented them from getting off the ground.

He understood the Queenstown and Christchurch rescue helicopters were also called but were stopped by the weather.

A police media spokeswoman said late yesterday the death was due to a medical event and would be referred to the coroner. — The Greymouth Star