Police confirmed yesterday an investigation into the death of Robin Lloyd (50) was under way.
The Southland man was seriously injured at a Winton work function on December 19 and died in Dunedin Hospital on Monday.
Sergeant Dave Kennelly, of Invercargill, declined to comment on speculation the man died after being hit by a party-goer doing a burn-out in a vehicle.
However, he confirmed the fatal injuries were suffered after the alleged misuse of a hire van in a work building.
No charges had been laid.
The death might be counted as part of the holiday road toll.
''It is at a workplace, but it will fall within the definition of a road, so therefore it is likely it will be counted in that. However, it hasn't been determined as the matter is under investigation.''
A postmortem would be undertaken today, Sgt Kennelly said.
