Coroner finds methamphetamine caused Gisborne diver Benjamin Rangi Murray’s death

The tragic death of Benjamin Rangi Murray, an experienced diver, has been officially attributed to methamphetamine intoxication by a coroner. This finding brings a somber conclusion to the circumstances surrounding his passing off the Gisborne coast last November.

Coroner's findings reveal that Murray had been experiencing chest pain and had received medical advice against diving until the condition eased. Despite this, he proceeded with an afternoon dive near the Tatapouri Fishing Club, an activity that ultimately proved fatal.

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Murray had been advised by a doctor not to dive until chest pain had eased.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of methamphetamine use. While the immediate cause of death was intoxication, the underlying factors and the circumstances leading up to the dive underscore a broader public health concern within our communities. The Tairāwhiti region, like many others, grapples with the pervasive effects of drug abuse.

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An experienced diver who began seizing off the Tairāwhiti coast died from methamphetamine intoxication, a coroner has found.