Westport woman dies after fall from bicycle

A Westport woman has died after falling from her bicycle on Gladstone Street yesterday (Thursday 8 Sept).

Diana Jane Perriton had been whitebaiting near the Westport wharf with her partner prior to the accident which happened about 1.30pm.

Ms Perriton, aged 50, had cycled a short distance before veering over a ledge and falling about 1.5 metres onto the roadway.

She suffered serious head injuries in the fall and was taken to Westport Hospital for treatment before being airlifted to Christchurch.

Ms Perriton died enroute to Christchurch and was returned to Greymouth.

Tasman District Road Policing Manager Inspector Jenni Richardson said Ms Perriton was wearing the polystyrene shell of a cycle helmet at the time, however the helmet was minus its outer casing.

"In that condition it was unable to give Ms Perriton the protection she needed."

Inspector Richardson said Police were still investigating the matter but believed alcohol may have contributed to the accident.