Hunter'sdeath 12/01/09 in Southern District

Oamaru Police investigating the death of Owaka man Deane SHUTE aged 49 years. have now referred the matter to the coroner.

Mr Shute died on the 12th of January 2009 after laying possum bait in the Omarama area.

It appears that whilst he was working alone a large boulder has come loose on a steep slope trapping him beneath it.

Mr Shute suffered fatal injuries and was located by his work colleagues about 3.15pm. Colleagues contacted emergency services.

Emergency Services utilized the Rescue Helicopter from Dunedin to transport equipment to assist in the recovery of Mr Shute.

Members of Omarama Fire, Police and Omarama Search and Rescue worked for a number of hours to shift the boulder.

Mr Shute in very well known in the Otago area and was a long time member of the Owaka Search and Rescue Squad. He will be sadly missed.