Man who died after family dispute named

A Taranaki man who died following a dispute with his son has been named by police as Tama ‘Eminukutepua.

The 57-year-old died outside his property in Puketea St, in the small town of Inglewood, about 8.30pm on Saturday.

Police were called to the scene about 7.30pm following reports of a verbal altercation.

Detective Senior Sergeant Phil Skoglund said ‘Eminukutepua attempted to restrain his son and collapsed a short time after.

The father-of-six was treated by ambulance at the scene but died.

Police have spoken to the people involved and witnesses, and were not looking for anyone else in relation to the incident, Skoglund said.

Arrangements for an autopsy are under way and Skoglund said this would determine whether any charges were laid. At this stage, it was looking like ‘Eminukutepua had died as a result of a medical incident, he said.

News of ‘Eminukutepua’s death has ripped through the small community, where he was known as a staunch advocate for suicide prevention.

A former criminal, who at 17 was the youngest prisoner at Mt Eden jail, ‘Eminukutepua had turned his life around and was known for his caring nature and services to the community.

In recent years ‘Eminukutepua made a name for himself in the mental health sector with his position as national chairman of Aotearoa RATS - Riders Against Teen Suicide, a group he joined in 2013.

The bikie had been leading the charge to end teen suicide, a passion sparked when one of his children threatened the act almost two decades ago.