Inquiry launched into student’s death

A former High Court judge will lead an investigation into the death of a student which went unnoticed for nearly eight weeks in a university hall.

Stuff revealed last week the body of 19-year-old Canterbury University student Mason Pendrous went undiscovered at the Sonoda hall until he was found on September 23.

Both the university and the accommodation provider, Campus Living Villages (CLV), are investigating.

University Council head chancellor Sue McCormack announced yesterday that former High Court Judge Kit Toogood QC would run the ‘‘completely independent’’ inquiry, expected to take six weeks.

The inquiry would cover the circumstances surrounding the delay in discovering Pendrous’ body, whether anyone from the university, CLV or elsewhere raised concerns about his welfare, and whether there was any response to such concerns.

It would look at the policies, processes and procedures for monitoring and responding to student welfare issues both at the university and at Sonoda, and whether those policies were adhered to.

Toogood will consider whether any improvements should be recommended.

He will consider whether any additional policies, processes or procedures are required.

The judge’s finding would be made public as soon as possible ‘‘after an exhaustive and thorough investigation’’, McCormack said.

A confidential email account would also be set up so that anyone with concerns or information could contact Toogood personally.