Patrick Gamble, an 80-year-old Irish-born artist living in a secluded house bus in Little Whanganui, perished in a devastating fire in November 2022.
His skeletal remains were found near his favorite rocking chair, with investigators suspecting the blaze was ignited by embers from a wedged-open fireplace door.
Despite recommendations, Gamble had refused to install smoke alarms, and the remote location hindered firefighting efforts.
Coroner Mary-Anne Borrowdale ruled the exact cause of death indeterminate, though experts believe he had little chance of survival.
A known figure in the small West Coast community, Gamble lived reclusively, surrounded by his creative works in the dense bushland where he ultimately met his tragic end.
Image credit: George Becker
