Death at bike park
A person died yesterday at Queenstown Bike Park following a medical event.
Emergency services were called to the mountain bike park off Lomond Crescent shortly before 11.30am.
Police confirmed the death is not considered suspicious and has been referred to the coroner.
St John and Fire and Emergency New Zealand also responded.
The popular bike park is in the Ben Lomond Reserve beneath Skyline, which runs a bike gondola service, although it is not known whether the person was a customer.
Two weeks ago, mountain biker Bel Strano broke her neck in an accident in the park, but is on the road to recovery.
She hit a tree which lay over a trail she was riding, flipped over the handlebars fracturing her C1 vertebrae, scapula and clavicle.
Bel was taken to hospital for surgery and fitted with a Halo and vest brace to hold her spine in place for three months.
Fiancé Jeremy Cox started a Givealittle page to help cover costs, as she was only working part time and only eligible for minimal payment from ACC.
"Bel is strong willed, has not lost her humour and is staying as positive as she can during this difficult time," Cox says on the Givealittle post.
"She’s determined and motivated to get back on her feet and return to normal life.
"My hope by starting this page is to alleviate the stress and anxiety Bel has by not being able to contribute to rent, food, household bills, medical expenses etc."
It has so far raised $7,788.
Bel Strano in hospital. Photo: Givealittle fundraiser
In 2016, Kiwi mountain bike star Kelly McGarry, 33, died after suffering a cardiac arrest while riding at the bike park.
Each year, McGazza Fest is held in the park to remember the popular Queenstowner.
