‘Many questions remain unanswered’: Family speak out after man dies after nine-hour ED wait

Tuesday, 14 July 2026

Brent Horsburgh was found unresponsive in a waiting room toilet at Waikato Hospital’s Emergency Department in the early hours of Tuesday, June 30.

His family says they are navigating deep shock and sadness, noting that 'many questions remain unanswered' about how his death occurred.

The family is seeking formal answers through Health New Zealand’s investigation to help prevent other families from experiencing similar heartbreak.

Health NZ has completed an initial clinical review into the death, concluding that additional monitoring would not have changed the outcome.

The family of the man who died while waiting at Waikato Hospital’s Emergency Department says they are “navigating the shock and sadness” of his death, waiting for answers, and grieving the loss of a man who “lived his life with loyalty and kindness”.

Brent Horsburgh was reportedly found unresponsive in a waiting room toilet in the early hours of Tuesday, June 30.

Ian Martin, Health NZ’s medical director of medicine at Waikato Hospital, said Horsburgh was triaged upon arrival at the ED on Monday night but was “later found unconscious”.

In a statement released to Stuff, Horsburgh’s family said they wanted to express their “heartfelt thanks to everyone who has reached out with messages of support, kindness and sympathy” following his sudden death.

“While our family is still in shock and trying to come to terms with the devastating loss of Brent, we have been reminded just how many lives he touched through his kindness, generosity, and willingness to help others.

“The stories people have shared, the memories they have recounted, and the affection with which they speak of him have reinforced that Brent was loved and respected by so many people.”

‘Family meant everything to him’

His family said Brent Horsburgh was a devoted husband to Tracey, a father and father-in-law, an adoring poppa, a son, brother and friend.

“Family meant everything to him,” they said.

“He worked hard throughout his life to provide for those he loved and was always happiest when surrounded by family.”

They said he had “an incredible ability to make people feel welcome” and “would drop everything to help someone in need and would never expect anything in return”.

Known for his strong work ethic, Horsburgh taught his family “that hard work matters, that family comes first, and that life should never be taken too seriously”.

“As a poppa, Brent was immensely proud of his grandchildren and treasured every moment he spent with them. Nothing brought a bigger smile to his face than talking about them or spending time with them,” his family said.

“In the days since Brent’s passing, we have reflected on the enormous impact Brent had on our lives. While his loss leaves an unimaginable gap in our family, we are grateful for the memories he leaves behind, and for the example he set through the way he lived his life with loyalty and kindness toward those he loved.”

‘Many questions remain unanswered’

“We are still navigating the shock and sadness of losing Brent and trying to understand how his death could have occurred,” his family said.

“Many questions remain unanswered, and we will seek those answers through Health New Zealand's investigation.”

Health NZ has completed an initial clinical review into Horsburgh’s death and found that additional monitoring would not have changed the outcome.

His family say their focus remains on honouring Horsburgh’s memory and ensuring they do everything they can to understand what occurred.

“We hope that, in time, the answers we receive may help prevent other families from experiencing the heartbreak and loss that we are living through today.

“We hope Brent will be remembered not for the circumstances of his passing, but for the life he lived, the great times shared, the people he helped, and the love he gave to those around him.”

Brent Horsburgh died on Tuesday, June 30. An earlier version of this story said the date was Tuesday, July 7. (Amended at 7.35am on July 14, 2026)