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Elderly Wānaka man who died after being trapped under vehicle at home is named

Author
NZ Herald,
Publish Date
Thu, 8 Jan 2026, 10:27am
David Simmers, 85, died after a vehicle incident at his Wānaka home on January 5, 2026.
David Simmers, 85, died after a vehicle incident at his Wānaka home on January 5, 2026.

Elderly Wānaka man who died after being trapped under vehicle at home is named

Author
NZ Herald,
Publish Date
Thu, 8 Jan 2026, 10:27am

Police have released the name of the man who died after a vehicle incident at his Wānaka home on Monday. 

He was David Simmers, 85. 

David Simmers, 85, died on Monday at his Wanaka home. Photo / FacebookDavid Simmers, 85, died on Monday at his Wanaka home. Photo / Facebook 

Emergency services were called to Simmers’ Roche St home on Monday after reports he was trapped under his vehicle. 

Police said that despite efforts from emergency responders, he was unable to be revived. 

The death has been referred to the coroner. 

Earlier this week a Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson said two crews attended Simmers’ home after the incident. 

She said a person was “trapped under a vehicle” and firefighters “extricated” them and assisted St John paramedics at the scene. 

A Hato Hone St John spokesperson confirmed two ambulances, one operations manager and one helicopter responded to the scene. 

Police at the scene of the fatal incident. Photo / NZMEPolice at the scene of the fatal incident. Photo / NZME 

A neighbour said Simmers had lived at the Roche St property for many years. He lived alone. 

According to family notices, Simmers’ wife, Jenny, died in 2018. 

The couple had three children and 10 grandchildren. 

He was an active member of the Wānaka History Society. 

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