• Police confirmed the identity of the young man who died while hunting on Stewart Island
  • The 21-year-old had overcome leukaemia and enjoyed an active outdoor lifestyle
  • Investigations are still ongoing to understand the circumstances surrounding his death

A young hunter who died on Stewart Island has been formally named by Police. Jock David Grant Davies, 21, from Dunedin, died near Lords River on 5 July while on a hunting trip.

A search and rescue team was deployed to the remote area, but Davies was found deceased. Police are continuing to investigate and have been speaking with others who were in the area at the time.

Davies had previously survived serious illness, having been treated for leukaemia and undergoing a bone marrow transplant in 2013 and again in 2018. At the time, the West Otago community rallied around the Davies family to offer their support. Following his recovery, he had embraced an active, outdoor lifestyle.

His death has shocked the hunting community, with national safety leaders acknowledging the impact such a tragedy has. Fatal hunting accidents are rare in New Zealand, and Davies' passing has been described as a deep loss to both his family and fellow hunters.

Police extended their sympathies to Davies’ loved ones and confirmed that enquiries into the incident were still ongoing.

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