Hundreds expected at pupil's funeral

Hundreds of mourners are expected to say their last farewells tomorrow to Auckland King's College pupil David Gaynor.

The 17-year-old son of business commmentator and company director Brian Gaynor was found with head injuries at Greenlane Bridge, south of the central city, on Saturday night after being taken home from the school ball apparently intoxicated.

He died in Auckland Hospital a short time later.

A funeral service will be at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Parnell tomorrow.

His death has reopened the debate about the drinking culture of young New Zealanders.

In May last year another King's College student James Webster, 16, collapsed and died after a heavy drinking session at a birthday party in Auckland.

King's College's board of trustees head Peter Ferguson said the school had done "more than most" to educate pupils about alcohol and drug abuse.

Headmaster Bradley Fenner said yesterday the school had a zero tolerance policy on drug and alcohol use by students.

David had started the evening drinking at a pre-ball party at the home of a fellow student, even though the school had asked no alcohol be served at pre-ball parties.

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