Samuel Finnemore (19) died early on Tuesday, at a property in Matipo St, Christchurch.
The New Zealand Herald understands police are investigating whether a broken window at the flat is linked to his death.
Part of the street was cordoned off while police examined the scene. They appeared focused on one property, in particular, which had a broken window.
A line of yellow and orange markers led from the driveway to an area protected by a forensics tent. Mr Finnemore was a “loving only child” of Cameron and Lisa, who lived in Auckland, a death notice said.
“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.’’
A talented snowboarder, he had attended Kristin School in Albany, Auckland.
As a year 13 pupil in 2020, Mr Finnemore won the overall senior boys title at the Auckland Secondary Schools Snowboarding Championships.
He was due to celebrate his 20th birthday today.
Detective Senior Sergeant Damon Wells said Mr Finnemore’s death continued to be treated as unexplained.
University of Canterbury Students’ Association president Pierce Crowley said there was a “sense of real grief among the entire student community”. Support would be provided to students.
Snow Sports NZ said its staff and athletes were deeply saddened to hear of Mr Finnemore’s death.
His snowboarding achievements included podium finishes at national age group level, as well as at international level.
He won an FIS slopestyle event at Cardrona in 2019, Snow Sports NZ chief executive Nic Cavanagh said.
