Focus on hitcher in Wanaka death inquiry

Coen van Rosmalen.
Coen van Rosmalen.
Wanaka police are keen to identify a hitchhiker seen near where a 24-year-old Dutch national died after being hit by a taxi in the town last weekend.

Coen van Rosmalen was struck by the taxi in Beacon Point Rd about 3.30am on Sunday, September 14.

Police are close to completing their investigations into his death, but are keen to hear from anybody who saw a male hitchhiker on Beacon Point Rd (heading north) near the intersection with Lakeside Drive between 2am and 3.40am that day.

''We would like to identify the hitchhiker because it's important to establish whether or not this person was Coen," said Detective Senior Sergeant Colin Blackie, who has been leading the investigation.

A group of three or four people were walking in front of the hitcher at the time, Det Snr Sgt Blackie said.

"The investigation team is keeping an open mind as to the factors that led to this tragedy and, in particular, what 'caused' Coen to lie on the road in a dimly lit area of Wanaka," he said.

A forensic examination of the taxi had been completed, CCTV footage reviewed and all known witnesses interviewed, he said.

Mr Rosmalen's body had been released back to his family.

Police would now refer the matter to the coroner.

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