A woman died after falling from her bicycle in Westport yesterday.
Diana Perriton had been whitebaiting near the wharf with her partner before the accident, which happened about 1.30pm.
The 50-year-old local woman cycled a short distance before veering over a ledge and falling about 1.5m on to the roadway.
She suffered serious head injuries and was taken to Westport Hospital before being airlifted to Christchurch.
Ms Perriton died enroute to Christchurch and was returned to Greymouth.
Tasman District Road Policing Manager Inspector Jenni Richardson said Ms Perriton was wearing the polystyrene shell of a cycle helmet but the helmet was missing its outer casing.
"In that condition it was unable to give Ms Perriton the protection she needed.''
Inspector Richardson said Police were still investigating but believed alcohol may have been a factor.
