Police say woman's Waiheke Island death has ‘suspicious’ circumstances

Police are treating a 32-year-old woman’s death on Waiheke Island four months ago as suspicious.

Chantelle McLaughlin-Middlemiss, 32, died at her Ōnetangi property on the island in the Hauraki Gulf on June 2.

Emergency services initially found McLaughlin-Middlemiss alive and well, but she was discovered unresponsive in her bed less than an hour later.

Police said they believe a “select few” have information on the circumstances around her death.

Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Friend confirmed the circumstances of her death were now considered “suspicious”.

On June 2, emergency services were called to her property twice within a short time.

Friend said emergency services attended McLaughlin-Middlemiss’ home on Waiheke Rd about 2.42pm, after reports she “might have been deceased”.

“These concerns were allayed, and no immediate concerns required any intervention.”

About an hour later, emergency services were called back.

Friend said people had gone to the address after calls were made to the family.

“At around 3.30pm, people known to the family located Chantelle unresponsive in bed. First aid was provided, and emergency services were called.

“Fire and ambulance staff attended but sadly could not revive her,” he said.

Since then, police launched an investigation, Operation Gannon.

“Our investigation is focusing on what took place the hours before emergency services first attended the address finding Chantelle alive and well, to being found unresponsive around an hour later, and those persons Chantelle may have had contact with that day,” Friend said.

He urged people with information to come forward.

“I recognise there may be mixed loyalties at play, and some people might feel challenged to come forward.

“We are determined on finding out what has led to Chantelle’s death. We owe it to her whānau and children to find these answers, so we ask you to speak with us,” McLaughlin-Middlemiss said.