Student found dead in Chch flat named as Sam Finnemore – family release statement

Police are now in a position to release the name of the man who died following an incident in Matipo Street, Riccarton.

He was Sam Finnemore, aged 19 of Auckland.

Sam was living in Christchurch while he attended the University of Canterbury.

His family are completely devastated and have requested that media give them space to grieve.

Police are continuing to treat Sam’s death as unexplained.

A post mortem was carried out today and enquiries are ongoing.

Police would like to offer our deepest thoughts and sympathies to Sam’s family.

Statement from the family of Sam Finnemore:

Family and friends of Sam Finnemore were devastated to learn of his death on 1 November, just two days shy of his 20th birthday. Sam was a loving only child of Cameron and Lisa who live in Auckland, and beloved cousin, nephew and grandson of family in Christchurch, Tauranga and London.

Sammy loved to competitively snowboard. He spent many happy days in Wanaka. He loved Uni and recently turned his studies to geology, a subject he discovered only after coming to Canterbury. He was well-liked, happy, and he cherished time with his many friends in Auckland, Christchurch and Wanaka. Sam loved life, was always happy.

We celebrate him and will remember him fondly.

The family express their thanks to the community that are supporting them through this difficult time, and express their gratitude to the New Zealand Police and the University of Canterbury, which was Sam’s home away from home.