ISSUE
Friday, August 15, 2025
Volume 16 . Issue 72
Canterbury University student who died in still 'unexplained' incident in Riccarton, Christchurch, early Tuesday morning has been named.
19-year-old Sam Finnemore, was studying geology and was originally from Auckland.
Finnemore's family has released a statement saying they were devastated to learn of his death on Matipo Street just two days before his 20th birthday.
"Sam was a loving only child of Cameron and Lisa who live in Auckland, and beloved cousin, nephew and grandson of family in Christchurch, Tauranga and London... He loved uni and recently turned his studies to geology, a subject he discovered only after coming to Canterbury," the statement said.
"He was well-liked, happy, and he cherished time with his many friends in Auckland, Christchurch and Wanaka. Sam loved life, was always happy. We celebrate him and will remember him fondly.
"The family express their thanks to the community that are supporting them through this difficult time, and express their gratitude to the New Zealand Police and the University of Canterbury, which was Sam's home away from home."
The death of Finnemore remains unexplained, according to Detective Senior Sergeant Damon Wells.
"A post mortem was carried out today and our enquiries are ongoing. Police would like to offer our deepest thoughts and sympathies to Sam's family. We are so sorry for their loss."
Canterbury University student who died in still 'unexplained' incident in Riccarton, Christchurch, early Tuesday morning has been named.
19-year-old Sam Finnemore, was studying geology and was originally from Auckland.
Finnemore's family has released a statement saying they were devastated to learn...
Canterbury University student who died in still 'unexplained' incident in Riccarton, Christchurch, early Tuesday morning has been named.
19-year-old Sam Finnemore, was studying geology and was originally from Auckland.
Finnemore's family has released a statement saying they were devastated to learn of his death on Matipo Street just two days before his 20th birthday.
"Sam was a loving only child of Cameron and Lisa who live in Auckland, and beloved cousin, nephew and grandson of family in Christchurch, Tauranga and London... He loved uni and recently turned his studies to geology, a subject he discovered only after coming to Canterbury," the statement said.
"He was well-liked, happy, and he cherished time with his many friends in Auckland, Christchurch and Wanaka. Sam loved life, was always happy. We celebrate him and will remember him fondly.
"The family express their thanks to the community that are supporting them through this difficult time, and express their gratitude to the New Zealand Police and the University of Canterbury, which was Sam's home away from home."
The death of Finnemore remains unexplained, according to Detective Senior Sergeant Damon Wells.
"A post mortem was carried out today and our enquiries are ongoing. Police would like to offer our deepest thoughts and sympathies to Sam's family. We are so sorry for their loss."
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