Coroner dies after accident

Coroner Christopher Devonport has died after an accident at his Hastings home. Devonport died at Hawke’s Bay Hospital on Wednesday. It is understood he was injured after falling from a ladder on Tuesday. Devonport, 64, had served as a coroner for the past 11 years, based in Hawke’s Bay. He was one of the first fulltime coroners, appointed when the Coroners Act 2006 came into force in 2007. Before then, he worked in private legal practice. Devonport is survived by his wife Chrissie and two adult children. His funeral will be held on Monday. The venue is yet to be confirmed.