A good Samaritan who was first on the scene to help a man fatally assaulted in Linwood Park wanted to let the victim’s family know he did everything he could to make him comfortable.
As first reported by Chris Lynch Media, a man was attacked on Friday night.
He was rushed to hospital in a serious condition, but police confirmed he passed away today.
A motorist who was driving past the park said he did a U-turn after seeing the man on the ground and someone next to him.
“By the time I was able to get to the victim, the guy who I assumed was the offender had gotten into a car and left the scene”
The good samaritan tried to get a response from the victim, but there was nothing.
“I’m just amazed no one really stopped to help, but I was lucky to wave down Community Patrol who provided blankets and an automated external defibrillator.
“I put him into the recovery position and called an ambulance. They were very quick to show up”
The man said the victim appeared to regain consciousness and was moving as he was being loaded onto the stretcher.
“He was touching his face, but was incoherent.” The man said he gave police a formal statement that night.
“I just wanted to let the family know that myself and Community Watch did all we could as fast as we could and made him comfortable.
The man also wanted to thank the members of the Community Patrol vehicle. “I was unable to thank them for actually stopping and doing what they could.”
A 31-year-old man was arrested and charged with grievous bodily harm in relation to the incident.
He first appeared in Christchurch District Court on Saturday and was remanded in custody.
He is next due to appear on Tuesday 11 April.
A police spokesperson said further charges are likely.