Tama’s death was ‘heart attack’
Post-mortem results on a Taranaki man who died following a dispute with his son show a heart attack was the cause of death, but police are still investigating the matter.
Tama ‘Eminukutepua, a wellknown advocate for suicide prevention, died last Saturday evening after a verbal altercation outside his Inglewood address.
Police were called about 7.30pm following reports of an argument which turned physical when ‘Eminukutepua attempted to restrain his son and collapsed a short time after.
The 57-year-old was treated by ambulance at the scene but died.
A post-mortem examination took place to determine the cause of death and whether any charges would be laid.
Detective Senior Sergeant Phil Skoglund confirmed yesterday, the day of the father-of-six’s funeral, that ‘Eminukutepua had died of a heart attack. However, he said the matter was still under review by police.
‘‘There is an anomaly at this point in time that we are just seeking a medical opinion on,’’ he said. ‘‘But we don’t believe it is a causation to the heart attack.’’
A funeral service for ‘Eminukutepua was held at the Taranaki Crematorium Chapel in the morning.
Before the service a cortege of about 60 motorcycles paid tribute to ‘Eminukutepua, who was national chairman of Aotearoa R.A.T.S - Riders Against Teen Suicide.
The procession made its way through Inglewood before heading to the Crematorium, just outside of New Plymouth.
Only six months ago ‘Eminukutepua organised a convoy of motorcycles to travel a similar route before the funeral of Taranaki schoolgirl Emma Warren.
The 7-year-old was killed in a collision with a truck near the intersection of Rata St and Miro St in Inglewood on September 27.
Emma’s dad, S’ean Warren, a fellow motorcyclist, took part in the ride in remembrance of his friend, ‘Eminukutepua.
He said ‘Eminukutepua had been a huge support to him when Emma passed away.
‘‘That evening he came around and said ‘don’t worry about having to sort out the funeral’s after function, we’ve got it covered’.
‘‘He got the TET Stadium and they put down a hangi and bought balloons to let go of after.’’
Warren said that was just the type of person ‘Eminukutepua was and his legacy would be helping others.
For years ‘Eminukutepua had been leading the movement to end teen suicide, working with the R.A.T.S.
Late last year he received a $10,000 AMP national scholarship to establish an after-hours mobile Suicide Prevention Response team (SPR).
A Givealittle page for ‘Eminukutepua’s wha¯nau has raised more than $1000.