Investigation focused on timing on boy's death

West Coast Police investigating the death of a 15 month old Greymouth boy who died at Auckland's Starship hospital on Thursday 23 April have named the boy.

He is Leith Allan HUTCHISON.

Detective Senior Sergeant Dan Keno said a family member took the child to Grey Base hospital in the early hours of Tuesday 21 April where it was found he had stopped breathing and was in cardiac arrest. Medical staff managed to resuscitate and stabilise him and he was moved by Air Ambulance to Starship hospital later that day for specialised medical care.

Detective Senior Sergeant Keno said doctors there established that Leith was suffering from a bleed on his brain.

“Unfortunately his condition worsened and he died early on Thursday evening after life support was removed.”

A post mortem examination has been conducted and Police are awaiting the results of testing to confirm the injury to his brain led to his death. Police enquiries are focused on establishing the exact cause and timing of the brain injury.

“We are speaking to family members and anyone who had been in Leith's company over the last few weeks of his life in an effort to piece together what has happened. This is a tragic loss of such a young life and my deepest sympathies go out to all his family,” said Detective Senior Sergeant Keno.

He said investigators were considering all options as to how the child’s injuries were sustained, including the possibility that Leith may have been the victim of some form of assault.

Anyone with information that may be relevant to this investigation is asked to contact Greymouth Police Ph 768 1600.

Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crimestoppers Ph 0800 555 111.

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