An Invercargil man has died following a game of rugby league. Edward Shane Heihei was found unconscious after taking part on Sunday.
Teammates and emergency services administered CPR on the 36-year-old, but he was later pronounced dead at Southland Hospital.
Police inquires are continuing and the matter has been referred to the Coroner.
Shocked friends have since posted messages and tributes on his Facebook page.
Charly Harvey wrote "The last post from one of the greatest guys I ever met, will miss you".
Roxi Campbell said: "This is so sad RIP Eddie Haturini-Hei Hei. Definitely a game not to be forgotton." (sic)
Meanwhile, Ben Ormond wrote "prays and thoughts with your whanau" (sic).
Underneath his last Facebook post, in which Mr Heihei urged his friends to come to watch the league game, those who knew him have been paying tribute.
Charly Harvey said: "The last post from one of the greatest guys I ever met, will miss you."
