Family rocked by champion snowboarder’s unexplained death

A champion snowboarder has died mysteriously just two days short of his 20th birthday – now police are investigating what happened.

The “devastated” family of a university student who died in unexplained circumstances have paid tribute to their “loving only child”.

Samuel Finnemore, 19, died early on Tuesday morning at a property on Matipo St, Riccarton, in Christchurch. The New Zealand Herald understands police are investigating whether a broken window at the flat is linked to his death.

Finnemore was a “loving only child” of Cameron and Lisa, who lived in Auckland, and a beloved cousin, nephew and grandson of family in Christchurch, Tauranga and London.

“Sammy loved to competitively snowboard. He spent many happy days in Wanaka,” his parents said. “He loved uni and recently turned his studies to geology, a subject he discovered only after coming to Canterbury.

“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 thanked the community that was supporting them, and expressed gratitude to police and the University of Canterbury, which was his “home away from home”.

Finnemore, a talented snowboarder, had attended Albany’s Kristin School in Auckland.

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Samuel Finnemore, 19, died early on Tuesday morning at a property on Matipo St, Riccarton.

As a year 13 student in 2020, Finnemore won the overall senior boys title at the Auckland Secondary Schools Snowboarding Championships. He was due to celebrate his 20th birthday tomorrow.

Detective Senior Sergeant Damon Wells said Finnemore’s death continued to be treated as unexplained. A post mortem examination was carried out today and inquiries are ongoing.

“Police would like to offer our deepest thoughts and sympathies to Sam’s family.

“We are so sorry for their loss,” he said.

Kristin School Executive Principal Mark Wilson said Finnemore was a “much-liked student and member of our school community”.

“He was a very talented snowboarder, who worked hard to achieve both academically and in his sporting endeavours,” Mr Wilson said.

“Sam’s loss will be felt very deeply by many in our school community and we are looking to support these families in any way we can.”

The school passed on its “deepest condolences” to Finnemore’s family and friends.

“Our thoughts are with them at this extremely difficult time.”

University of Canterbury Students’ Association president Pierce Crowley said there was a “sense of real grief among the entire student community”.

“We are deeply saddened by the death that occurred yesterday, and our thoughts and sincerest condolences goes out to their family,” he said.

Police at the scene of the unexplained death on Matipo St, Riccarton. Pools of blood were seen in the gutter where emergency services equipment lay. Picture: George Heard

Support would be provided to students alongside the University of Canterbury.

Police remained at the flat yesterday as a group of Finnemore’s friends gathered outside.

The university earlier offered its “deepest condolences to family and friends” of Finnemore.

“Based on the information we have, we’ve offered support and assistance to those immediately impacted and we have support in place for our student and staff community.”

Part of the street was cordoned off while police examined the scene. They appeared focused on one property in particular with a broken window, yellow and orange markers leading from the driveway to an area guarded by a forensics tent.

The homeowner told the Herald he was aware there was an incident at the rental property, but declined to comment further.

The police cordon was outside Wharenui School, near Blenheim Rd, beside Wharenui Swimming Pool and Sports Centre.

Medical equipment could be seen strewn across the road on the corner of Matipo St and Elizabeth St. Five red and yellow soft jump packs were open with masks, gloves, and bandages at the intersection near traffic lights and on the footpath.

This article originally appeared on The NZ Herald and was reproduced with permission