The shocked family of a Hamilton woman are racing home from overseas after she collapsed and died in a police booze bus.
Three separate investigations are under way - by police, the coroner and the Independent Police Conduct Authority - into what caused Elizabeth Jill Gilbertson's death.
A post-mortem examination completed yesterday indicated the 56-year-old died of natural causes. Police were last night trying to determine if she suffered from any existing medical conditions.
Ms Gilbertson was on her own in her Nissan car when she was stopped at the routine alcohol checkpoint on Cambridge Rd in Hillcrest, about 10.15pm on Sunday. She was unable to complete the initial breath screening test and was taken into the booze bus for an evidential breath test.
After several failed attempts she collapsed from the chair, knocking her head as she fell a small distance to the ground.
The four officers carried out CPR and, with St John paramedics, spent about 40 minutes trying to revive the woman who died in the officers' arms.
Detective Inspector Chris Page said the post-mortem indicated she died of natural causes but the cause of death would be determined by the coroner.
Ms Gilbertson cut her head as she hit the floor but the pathologist believed this was "superficial'' and had not contributed to the death.
Mr Page said it was a tragedy for all involved. "It's a surprise for the victim's family and they are finding it tough. There are some family members overseas and they are having to return to New Zealand.''
The sergeant and three constables who were working at the Cambridge Rd checkpoint were receiving help from welfare support with what Mr Page said was a challenge for officers to deal with.
"It's upsetting for the family to have something like this occur in their group but it's also upsetting for the police to have someone they are trying to save die in their arms.''
Mr Page said it was too early to say whether Ms Gilbertson's breath-alcohol level and shortness of breath contributed to her death.
- Nikki Preston, NZ Herald
