Teen's death 'an accident not witchcraft'

By KATHY WEBB - The Dominion Post

Rumours of witchcraft surrounding the death of Palmerston North hockey player Nettin Patel have arisen from nothing more than a broken statue, police say.

Patel, who was found lying on the road in Faraday St, Napier, early on Sunday morning, died of skull fractures after falling down a three-metre stone wall and hitting his head.

Detective Senior Sergeant Bill Gregory said a broken statue of a witch was lying on the road beside Mr Patel when he was found at 4am.

The statue was originally positioned beside a gateway at the top of the bank. It appeared Mr Patel had grabbed at it to stop his fall, but it toppled to the road with him.

Other rumours swirling around the Bay included that Mr Patel was surrounded by ornamental goblins when he was found, and that he had been the victim of a racial attack.

"None of these has any basis," Mr Gregory said.

"We're quite satisfied this is just an unfortunate accident and no foul play was involved.

"We can state quite categorically that Mr Patel's death was an accident."

An autopsy in Wellington yesterday had revealed grazes and other minor injuries consistent with a fall.

Mr Patel had been celebrating on Saturday night with a friend from a Napier hockey club.

A former national under-15 and under-18 hockey representative, he was in Napier representing Manawatu Hockey in the Central League semifinals and finals.