Man slips to his death after Beckham game

A young man died in his girlfriend's arms after he fell through a gap in a railing on his way home from watching the David Beckham football match, plunging 20 metres down a steep bank.

Michael Webby, 29, slipped on a greasy path and fell through the gap in the railing leading to his flat in Glenmore St, Kelburn, about 1.40am on Sunday.

His girlfriend of three years, Hilary Sutherland, had asked the city council months ago to fix a leaking toby that was making the steps and path slippery.

"The council said the leak was none of its business," said Michael's father, John, who is principal of Henry Hill School in Napier.

Michael, who worked for Strategic Finance, and Miss Sutherland, who is an economist with the Justice Ministry, had been concerned about the condition of the unlit, overgrown steps.

A council spokeswoman said a council inspector had visited the property after being notified about the leak. The leaking toby was on private property, so was the responsibility of the owners. The council had contacted the property managers and told them to fix it as soon as possible.

A neighbour said the path was uneven and very dark where Mr Webby fell. A light nearby was often out, and he was cautious when walking in the same place at night.

John Webby said his son's death was a tragic accident, "but it shouldn't have happened. That was it for poor Mick. He fell 20 metres. He ended up on the road."

Miss Sutherland tried to resuscitate him, but realised he was dead.

John Webby and his wife, Jill, a teacher in Hastings, were woken by police at their home in Taradale at 3.30am on Sunday, to be told they had lost their only son.

Mr Webby said Miss Sutherland was in shock. The young couple had been expected to announce marriage plans soon.

They had watched Beckham's LA Galaxy team play Wellington Phoenix from a corporate box at Westpac Stadium.

Michael Webby's sister, Emma, 26, arrived home on Tuesday from London, where she is working as a lawyer.

The funeral is at St Patrick's Catholic Church in Napier at 2pm today.