Police are investigating the sudden death of a 56-year-old Christchurch woman.
The woman's step-brother raced to the ground-floor Linwood flat this morning after hearing the tragic news.
He had seen his step-sister yesterday afternoon and she had been on "top form", cracking jokes and making him laugh.
Today, the man was distraught that she was found dead in the early hours of this morning.
The as-yet unnamed Christchurch woman's asthma condition may have caused her death, her step-brother thinks.
He understands her partner found her unresponsive and alerted emergency services.
Police and ambulance confirmed they were called to a Gloucester St, Linwood, address around 2am.
Christchurch police have launched a probe but have said there is no indication that the death is suspicious.
"I found out half an hour ago, I can't believe it. I'm in shock," the relative told APNZ outside the house, which is wrapped in police tape, with officers guarding it.
"I was only with her yesterday afternoon, having a few nice, quiet drinks.
"She was on top form. She was so happy, she made me laugh all day."
The man said his step-sister had been "in and out of hospital a lot lately with real bad asthma attacks".
"She'd been pumped up on steroids, and had a back operation recently. That must be behind it.
"Police said the autopsy will be this afternoon and they'll let me know."
He said the woman, a beneficiary, was a "cheerful, active person" who did a lot of volunteer work in the community.
"If anyone was in trouble, she'd be the first to help them. She had a big heart."
