Reif Cotter (left), his three young children, and his wife Holly Te Ngahue. Photo: Supplied / Givealittle
Police are still investigating the death of a Napier man who fell from a car on Friday night.
But it has been determined that Reif Cotter, 33, died from injuries relating to his fall.
"He was not subsequently run over," Detective Sergeant Stacey Bailey-Tran said in a statement.
Police understand Cotter was travelling on a mattress on top of a black station wagon when he fell. The car was driven from the Marewa shops on Kennedy Road, along Nuffield Avenue, shortly before 9pm on 27 December.
"We are reiterating our appeal to the public to come forward if you have any information at all that may help police piece together what happened, and get answers for [Cotter's] family [...] and we ask the public to consider [Cotter's] family when making any online comment or speculation."
The Tamatea local has been remembered as a loving father.
A Givealittle page has been set up for his three young children and their mother, Holly Te Ngahue.
Te Ngahue on Facebook wrote Cotter was "the most loving" dad, brother, son, and moko.
"Your contagious smile, your willingness to give, your sily antics, the absolute life of any party. We all love you so much Reif."
Cotter played for the Eskview and Districts Ruby Football Club, and has been described as a "beloved teammate".
"A talented winger, Reif brought not only skill to the field but also a contagious cheeky smile that could light up any room," a post on the Clubs' Facebook page reads.
Police have asked that anyone who saw the vehicle concerned contact them online or via calling 105 (reference number 241228/8289).
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