A coroner has ruled that Highlanders and Maori All Blacks player Connor Garden-Bachop died of natural causes
A coroner has ruled that Highlanders and Maori All Blacks player Connor Garden-Bachop died of natural causes
10 February 2026
The 25-year-old died overnight at the Christchurch home of his aunt and uncle, in June 2024.
His last post on social media confirmed his departure from the Highlanders squad.
Coroner Mary-Anne Borrowdale ruled Garden-Bachop 's heart was slightly stretched - known as a dilated heart.
She says that causes an abnormal heartbeat, before the heart stops.
He was not injured in any way, and had not consumed any drugs or alcohol before his death.
© 2026 Newstalk ZB, NZCity
