6 Apr 2015

Auckland school death not suspicious

4:04 pm on 6 April 2015

The police in Auckland do not believe there is anything suspicious about the death of a man on the grounds of a school.

St Mary's School and Preschool in Avondale

St Mary's School and Preschool in Avondale Photo: RNZ / Lauren Baker

Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Newman

Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Newman Photo: RNZ / Lauren Baker

The body of Clarrie Henry, 50, was found at St Mary's Catholic school in Avondale yesterday morning.

His death was initially treated as unexplained and a post mortem was due to be carried out today.

The police said they were not seeking anyone else in connection with Mr Henry's death, and it would be referred to the Coroner.

A caretaker at the church next door, Maka Halatoa, was the second person at the scene yesterday and said the man was lying on his back on the ground near school buildings.

He said parishioners were shocked at what had happened, with some in tears as the discovery was explained at yesterday afternoon's church service.