New Zealand’s first chief coroner, Decide Neil MacLean, passed away this week. Read on to understand how Neil MacLean died, what happened to him, and why he died.
MacLean is remembered for his compassion and the reforms he led during his tenure. He was one of the first world leaders to publicly mention youth suicide and solvent abuse to raise awareness against it.
Who was Neil MacLean?
Neil MacLean was New Zealand’s top chief coroner. The judge began his statutory career in 1967 and became the first chief trial judge in 2007. He graduated from the University of Canterbury in 1967. MacLean was appointed as a district court judge in 1993.
He rose to national fame in 2007 and became one of the most influential men in New Zealand history. MacLean undertook a series of system reforms at this time. He even launched a nationwide system that guaranteed the availability of medical examiners 24/7.

The two most notable events in his career included working with the families of the victims of the Pike River mine explosion and the families of those who died in the February 2011 Christchurch earthquake.
MacLean was appointed a Companion of the Queen’s Service Order in 2015 for his undertakings before the judiciary.
How did Neil MacLean die?
Decide Neil MacLean died on Friday, November 18, 2022. His age at the time of his death is not to be disclosed at the time of writing. The unfortunate news of MacLean’s death was made public by his family and confirmed by the people he worked with.
MacLean is remembered for the compassion and sincerity he showed for his work and his people. Here is the official obituary for Neil MacLean:

The chief coroner’s office also released a press release honoring the life of Judge Neil MacLean.
“He was a strong advocate for improved reporting and more open discussions about suicide,” the statement said.
He says: “He was constantly featured in the media to discuss issues such as youth suicide, cyberbullying and solvent abuse, and to ensure that the general public was aware of the work of the Coroner’s Court Chamber.”
Lifeless Neil MacLean: What was the reason for his loss of life?
The particular reason behind the death of Decide Neil MacLean is unknown at the time of writing this article. It was not made public in the statements that confirmed his death last Friday. We are trying to contact those close to him to find out more details about the circumstances of his death.
A Web top claims that Neil MacLean died as a result of pure causes. He was an old man who had lived a long and exhausting life. However, we are going to replace this part with the last word that made him leave this world.

Tributes appear for Decide Neil MacLean
Prominent New Zealand personalities, their friends and others around the world pay tribute to the late Decide Neil MacLean.
“He fostered excellent working relationships with key stakeholders, including ESR, police and health professionals,” former Chief Coroner Judge Deborah Marshall said while praising MacLean’s excellent management.
“In addition, I appreciated the way he engaged with members of the court and interested us in organizing the new service,” coroner Peter Ryan said.
Raising Suicide Awareness – Decide Neil Maclean
“She decides that MacLean was very smart, and I learned a lot from him and felt privileged to have worked with him, but also to have known him as a very cheerful, caring, personable and kind gentleman,” coroner Sue Johnson said. .
It will always be part of the New Zealand history books. MacLean is survived by Susan, his wife of 53 years, their three children and his household. Our heart goes out to them.