The family of a mentally ill, knife-wielding man shot dead by police in regional NSW say his tragic demise didn't need to happen.
Todd McKenzie was shot dead in Taree after 1pm on Wednesday after specialist officers tried to negotiate with the 40-year-old over nine hours, after being called to a Robertson Street house over concerns for his welfare.
Todd McKenzie died after a siege and confrontation with police at a home in Taree.Credit: The Newcastle Herald
Officers then forced open the door and tried to subdue him with a Taser. This failed and Mr McKenzie was then shot. He was taken to Manning Base Hospital where he died.
Mr McKenzie's aunt, Francene Reo, said the family was "absolutely devastated".
"It was something that we believe didn't need to happen," she said.
Ms Reo said there needed to be better support services in country areas for people with mental illnesses.
"Everybody understands that when you have mental health issues there are occasions when you don't cope as well as everybody else," she said.
"The last 12 to 18 months he's been doing exceptionally well. Incidents like what happened are not a typical part of his life."
A visibly emotional Ms Reo praised her nephew as "a great country kid".
"From the time he was a little boy, he was the bravest little boy, he was a gentle, music-loving, very talented, artistic, nice kid."
A critical incident investigation into Mr McKenzie's death has been launched.
AAP