22 April Auckland: A tragic incident unfolded in Auckland when 33-year-old Kyle Whorrall, an American PhD student, was fatally attacked at a bus stop on St Johns Road in the Meadowbank area on the night of April 19 (Saturday). Whorrall, who was studying entomology at the University of Auckland, was conducting research at Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries at the hospital and was later identified. His name was officially released on April 22, Tuesday.
According to Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin, the attack occurred around 10:10 pm on Saturday. Whorrall had made a brief visit to a supermarket on Gerard Way at around 9:40 pm, after which he proceeded to the nearby bus stop, located approximately 400 meters away.
Authorities are currently investigating a black midsize SUV, seen making a U-turn on St John’s Road just before the assault took place. The vehicle came to a stop near the bus shelter, and two or more individuals exited before attacking Whorrall. The SUV then fled the scene in the direction of College Road. Police are urging anyone with information about this vehicle to come forward. They are also seeking witnesses who may have seen the SUV cutting off a white Toyota ute shortly before the attack.
Whorrall was well-known for his nocturnal fieldwork, which is common among entomologists who study New Zealand’s predominantly nocturnal insect species. His research often led him to local reserves and urban areas during the night.
A tribute posted on social media expressed shock and grief, stating: “Kyle Whorrall, one of our former UCR undergrad students who was working on his dissertation in New Zealand under my friend Rich Leschen, was killed in an assault at a bus stop in Auckland this past weekend. I’m sure his friends, family, and colleagues are all in shock, as I am. This is senseless and tragic.”
This assault follows a similar incident from August 2024, in which entomologist Stephen Thorpe, also affiliated with Landcare Research, was fatally attacked in Blockhouse Bay while collecting specimens. A 26-year-old man was charged in that case.
The U.S. Embassy has confirmed Whorrall’s death and is providing consular support to his family. The University of Auckland has declined to comment further, citing the ongoing police investigation.
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