Police believe a select few have information on the circumstances around a woman’s death on Waiheke Island earlier this year.
Those people are being asked to come forward to assist the Police investigation into the death of Chantelle McLaughlin-Middlemiss on 2 June 2026.
Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Friend, Auckland Central Area Investigations Manager, says the circumstances around the 32-year-old’s death are suspicious.
On 2 June, emergency services were called out to her property in Onetangi on two occasions within a short period of time.
“Emergency services attended Waiheke Road at around 2.42pm, after information was reported that Chantelle might have been deceased. These concerns were allayed and no immediate concerns required any intervention,” Detective Senior Sergeant Friend says.
Around an hour later, emergency services were called back.
Detective Senior Sergeant Friend says 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,” he says.
“Fire and ambulance staff attended but sadly could not revive her, and Chantelle was pronounced deceased.”
A Police investigation, Operation Gannon, has been underway since June.
“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,” Detective Senior Sergeant Friend says.
“From our investigation we believe that there are some people that have information that is important to the case.”
Police are urging those people to come forward.
“I recognise there may be mixed loyalties at play, and some people might feel challenged to come forward,” Detective Senior Sergeant Friend says.
“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.”
Can you assist Police?
Please contact us on 105 and use the reference number 260602/7353 and the investigation team will get in touch with you.
ENDS.
Jarred Williamson/NZ Police