The man who died in the hunting accident on the Tauwhareparae Rd inland from Tolaga Bay on Saturday night was identified by police this afternoon.
He was John James Stuart Atkins, aged 44.
The Tolaga Bay father of three was reported to be hunting for deer in the Doonholm Slip area, 18km up Tauwhareparae Rd, when he was shot accidentally by someone in another hunting party. They were reported to be in the area spotlighting for possums.
The tragedy occurred at around 10.30pm Saturday.
Atkins was found critically injured and was flown to Gisborne Hospital by rescue chopper, but he succumbed to his injuries and died several hours later.
Police continue to investigate the circumstances. Victim support have been supporting the victim’s family.
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