Molesworth death

Press, 7 April 1979, Page 2

Molesworth death

Blenheim reporter An inquest into the death of a Christchurch journalist whose body was found during a search on Molesworth station last month was concluded at Blenheim yesterday by the District Coroner (Mr R. C. H. Kent).

The Coroner found that Lancelot Rogers Early, aged 47, died of a coronary attack at Molesworth station on March 10, the cause of death being myocardial ischaemia, secondary to coronary atheroma, with a recent episode of infarction as well as old ischaemic changes.

Evidence was given by Sergeant G.- X Ward that Mr Early had left the Tarndaie 1

homestead on March 10 with the intention of climbing Mitre Peak nearby. He was reported missing early the next morning after musterers on the station had been unable to find him when he failed to return.

Sergeant Ward said that Mr Early had apparently suffered a heart attack at the place where his hat and stick had been found. It appeared that he had been returning to the homestead when he collapsed and died.

Sergeant Ward said he believed that Mr Early had died before the search for him was mounted and before those at the homestead realised he was missing.