18 Apr 2024

Police name man who died in Canterbury workplace accident as Henry Wild

6:47 pm on 18 April 2024
Wellington free ambulance

Henry Wild's body was found at a farm near Ashburton. Photo: RNZ / Diego Opatowski

A Mid Canterbury rugby club has paid tribute to one of its "beloved" senior players who died in a workplace accident earlier this week.

Henry Wild, who was 22, was found at a Singletree Road farm in Newland near Ashburton on Tuesday morning,

Police confirmed his identity on Thursday.

WorkSafe is now investigating the cause of the death, including whether any machinery was being used at the time.

Emergency services were called to the property at 10.10am.

It prompted a reminder from the agency for agricultural workers to take care around machinery and vehicles, deemed the main cause of fatalities in the sector.

Wild was a senior member of Ashburton's Celtic RFC with the club paying tribute on its Facebook page on Wednesday.

"Last night (Tuesday) we gathered at Celtic to share stories, and offer comfort to one another.

"Let's continue to talk and hold each other up during this difficult time.

"Henry will always be remembered in our Celtic family for his skill, passion, humour and resilient spirit both on and off the field."