Police name deceased in hedge-trimming accident

Police have released the name of a man who died in an accident involving a hedge trimming machine in North Canterbury this morning.

He was Nigel David Spackman, aged 34, of Culverden, North Canterbury.

The incident occurred on Leader Road, about four kilometres from Waiau in the Hurunui district, at approximately 9.40 this morning.

Mr Spackman was working as a contractor trimming hedges using an industrial hedge trimmer alongside the road. Police say initial enquiries indicate that he stepped down from the machine and walked in front of the trimming blade which was still operating, suffering serious head injuries.

Police and emergency services have been at the scene, along with occupational safety and health investigators from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

The man's body was removed from the scene and road closures on Leader Road were lifted by mid-afternoon.

The death will now be referred to the Coroner.

ENDS

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