The death of a man who was "king hit" during an altercation at a local pub still remains shrouded in mystery.
In his findings, released today, Coroner Richard McElrea found Dale Bellaney, 39, died after an incident at the Crown Hotel in Temuka in November 2012.
Despite carrying out an extensive investigation, police are yet to identify who or what was responsible for the injuries that led to his death, the report said.
Coroner McElrea said Mr Bellaney was enjoying a quiet night at the Crown Hotel when he became involved in an altercation with two groups of patrons who had arrived from the Temuka Hotel.
In the process of trying to protect a female friend, Mr Bellaney became involved and was assaulted himself.
Mr Bellaney was one of three who were injured, and although fully conscious when the ambulance arrived, he died three days later in Christchurch Hospital as a result of brain bleeding.
Coroner McElrea found Mr Bellaney died as the result of a single punch or "king hit" to the left side of his head by an unidentified person.
He said Mr Bellaney was an innocent party.
"The evidence would suggest that he had come to the aid of another person being subjected to assault at the hotel when he was struck and fell to the ground."
By Nikki Papatsoumas of APNZ
