Man dies after inhaling fumes

The family of Greymouth carpet layer Ryan Mead say they are ‘‘devastated’’ after his sudden death.

Mead, a Coastwide Flooring Xtra employee, died in hospital after inhaling fumes at work.

Wife Anna Mead told The Press it was a difficult time for the family.

‘‘We are absolutely devastated,’’ she said. She declined to comment further.

Detective Sergeant Kirsten Norton said Mead, 37, was found unresponsive while working at an address on Main South Rd in Greymouth on Tuesday.

The Press understands the incident happened at the new premises of cleaning company Wash Rite West Coast.

He was taken to Grey Base Hospital in a critical condition. He was later transferred to Christchurch Hospital and died on Thursday.

Greymouth fire chief Lee Swinburn earlier said firefighters attended to assist paramedics.

‘‘We were called to the medical assist in an industrial area. It appeared the victim had been overcome by the inhalation of a chemical solvent,’’ he said.

Coastwide Flooring Xtra owner Graeme Beckett earlier said his thoughts were with the man and his family.

‘‘At this stage we don’t know what happened. There’s a lot of unknowns and it’s an ongoing investigation,’’ he said.

Wash Rite West Coast owner Rita Costen said on Thursday her thoughts were with the man’s family and declined to comment further.

WorkSafe is investigating death, a spokeswoman said.

Mead’s