A forestry contractor appears to have died from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning in a workplace accident in the Manuka Gorge, police say.
Michael John McDonald (33), of Balclutha, was found dead by a colleague in a converted shipping container at a Perry Rd forestry block, near Milton, on Monday night.
Post mortem results suggested that Mr McDonald died from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning after a petrol-powered compressor was left running in the container, which was used as a workshop, where he was working, Detective Sergeant Stan Leishman, of Balclutha, said.
The death of the father of three was a ''workplace tragedy'', Det Sgt Leishman said.
Mr McDonald became engaged in January.
The death was not suspicious and no-one else was being sought.
''We are dealing with it as a workplace incident. We believe it's an accident. It is very sad.''
Mr McDonald's company, Don Contracting, was contracted to work on the forestry block, he said.
The matter had been referred to WorkSafe, which was now the lead agency in investigating the death, and to the coroner.
A WorkSafe spokeswoman confirmed it was investigating but would not comment further.
Loved ones remembered the ''loved and devoted Dad'' of four - one of whom had died - in death notices published in today's Otago Daily Times.
His partner paid tribute to her ''best friend''.
''A special smile, a special face; a special dad we can't replace. You gave your love your whole life through. We love you,'' the notice from the family said.
A message from his son said: ''Most things come in groups like stars, grass, rocks and clouds, but you only have one dad and I was lucky to have a good one.''
In August 2011, an employee of Don Contracting died when a gust of wind blew over a tree in the Overton Forest between Centre Bush and Mandeville.
