Rotorua man died from unrecognized crash injuries

Lance Hohaia Houpapa was found dead at home four days after a car crash in 2022. He was discovered in his armchair, having been discharged from the hospital to recover. An investigation by Coroner Mike Robb revealed that Houpapa died from injuries that were not detected during his treatment. These injuries were not visible on an X-ray taken at Rotorua Hospital. The crash was caused by Tamihana Curtis, who was convicted of careless driving. Despite the circumstances of Houpapa's death, Coroner Robb stated that a formal inquiry is not necessary. Robb noted that Houpapa did not report any pain related to the internal injury that ultimately led to his death. Additionally, this kind of injury is rare in road accidents.