A mountain biker from New Zealand has died after a 15 metre (50 foot) fall in Te Mata park on Tuesday.
Local reports suggest that John Warren, 60, lost control on a steep section, careered through some long grass and failed to stop before plunging over a cliff edge. 111 (the local emergency number) was called instantly by a walker who heard him yelling and “immediately knew it was serious”.
A paramedic reached him on foot and he was then winched into a helicopter and taken to hospital. He sustained multiple injuries and his death was confirmed this morning.
Warren was an avid mountain biker and former school principle who moved to New Zealand from his native Australia in 2014. He was described as: “a proud creator of creators, who inspired and mentored both staff and students, relentlessly encouraging growth.”
He was “a man who embraced life and all its possibilities with a boundless appetite and energy” and “a deeply committed and loving husband and father”.
Our thoughts are with John’s family and friends in this tragic time.
