The death of young Waiheke Island woman Chantelle McLaughlin-Middlemiss is being treated as suspicious, after emergency services found her alive during a welfare check before she was discovered unresponsive less than an hour later.
According to a report by Stuff, police say emergency services visited her Ostend home at 2.42 pm on June 2 after receiving information that she might be deceased. At the time, officers found her “alive and well”.
Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Friend said the concerns that prompted the welfare check were “allayed and no immediate concerns required any intervention,” Stuff has quoted.
However, at around 3.30 pm, people known to the family found McLaughlin-Middlemiss unresponsive in bed.
“At around 3.30 pm, people known to the family located Chantelle unresponsive in bed,” Friend said.
“First aid was provided, and emergency services were called. Fire and ambulance staff attended but sadly could not revive her, and Chantelle was pronounced deceased,” as quoted by Stuff.
Police this week confirmed that the circumstances surrounding her death are being investigated as suspicious, prompting renewed concern and speculation within the close-knit island community.
Several neighbours recalled unusual activity around the property that afternoon. One said she heard loud banging coming from the home.
“It was enough that you notice it.”
Another neighbour said he saw emergency services at the property after returning home.
“I heard a fair bit of yelling going on at the time… It’s a tragedy,” he said, as quoted by Stuff.
Those who knew McLaughlin-Middlemiss have described her as warm, outgoing and devoted to her two children. A childhood friend said she was “absolutely shocked” when she learned of the death.
“My heart just dropped.”
“She was a beautiful girl. She wouldn’t have left her kids like that, she absolutely adored them,” as quoted by Stuff.
McLaughlin-Middlemiss attended school on Waiheke and had also spent time living in Palmerston North. She later established CM Painting, a house-painting business, in 2023. A former workmate described her as a great worker.
“It really got me by surprise,” Stuff has quoted.
Her family has also appealed for anyone with information to come forward. Her grandmother, Karin McLaughlin, described the loss as a devastating shock and urged anyone who knew something about what happened to speak with police.
“Chantelle was my first-born and much loved granddaughter….and to say this was a shock is an understatement,” she wrote.
“Her passing has left us … with immense grief and unanswered questions, so please, if there is someone who can come forward with information, please do. Thank you,” as quoted by Stuff.
A family member also wrote: “Our family want justice so she can rest in peace, so if anyone has any information, please please get in contact with police,” as quoted by Stuff.
Police say they recognise that people may be reluctant to speak because of relationships within the small community, but are continuing to investigate.
“I recognise there may be mixed loyalties at play, and some people might feel challenged to come forward…we are determined on finding out what has led to Chantelle’s death. We owe it to her whānau and children to find these answers, so we ask you to speak with us,” Friend said, as quoted by Stuff.
Anyone with information about Operation Gannon can contact Police on 105, quoting reference 260602/7353.