A university student from Auckland who died in unexplained circumstances was only two days away from celebrating his 20th birthday.

Samuel Finnemore, 19, died in the early hours of Tuesday morning after an incident at a property in Matipo St, Riccarton in Christchurch. The Herald understands police are investigating whether a broken window at the flat is linked to his death.

Police have previously said they are treating his death as unexplained.

“Inquiries are ongoing to determine the circumstances of the incident,” a police spokesperson said.

Finnemore, a talented snowboarder, was a student at the University of Canterbury and was from Auckland where he attended Kristin School.

As a Year 13 student in 2020, Finnemore won the overall senior boys title at the Auckland Secondary Schools Snowboarding Championships. He was due to celebrate his 20th birthday on Thursday.

Police remained at the scene on Wednesday as a group of Finnemore’s friends gathered outside the flat.

The University earlier said they understood a student had died, but they were awaiting confirmation from police.

Police at the scene where a university student died on Matipo St, Christchurch. Photo / George Heard

“We offer our deepest condolences to their family and friends,” a statement from the university said.

• Police investigating whether broken window caused death of university student

“Based on the information we have, we’ve offered support and assistance to those immediately impacted and we have support in place for our student and staff community.”

Part of the street was cordoned off while a scene examination took place. Police appeared focused on one property in particular with a broken window, yellow and orange markers leading from the driveway to an area which was guarded by a forensics tent.

The homeowner told the Herald he was aware there was an incident at the rental property, but declined to comment further.

The police cordon was outside Wharenui School, near Blenheim Rd, beside Wharenui Swimming Pool and Sports Centre.

Police at the scene where a university student died on Matipo St, Christchurch. Photo / George Heard

Medical equipment could be seen strewn across the road on the corner of Matipo St and Elizabeth St.

Five red and yellow soft jump packs were open with masks, gloves, and bandages at the intersection near traffic lights and on the footpath.

Police remained at the scene on Wednesday.