Christchurch Police have confirmed that a woman who died after being found critically injured in a Riccarton car park is not missing woman Elisabeth ‘Lis’ Nicholls.
Police were called to Leslie Hills Drive about 4.40pm on Tuesday, where a woman was discovered with critical injuries.
Initially, police said the woman was found deceased.
“Tragically, the woman passed away while being transported to hospital,” a police spokeswoman said. Her death is being treated as unexplained, and a scene guard remains in place at the car park.
Chris Lynch Media understands a local worker discovered the woman beside his car and initially believed she had already died. However, emergency services later told him she was still alive when found, but sadly passed away shortly after they began treating her.
In a statement, police addressed speculation circulating in the community, saying, “We are aware of speculation that this may be related to missing woman Elisabeth Nicholls, we can confirm that is not accurate.”
The search for Lis remains ongoing. She was last seen at the Chateau on the Park in Riccarton on the evening of Wednesday 4 June, and police and her family are desperate to find her.
As part of the continuing search, police will be deploying a drone over central Christchurch today, focusing on the Riccarton and Hagley Park areas between 8am and midday.
Police last week searched the Avon River for missing Christchurch woman Elisabeth ‘Lis’ Nicholls
Detective Sergeant Lucy Aldridge said, “We have gone door to door, reviewed CCTV footage and made extensive enquiries, but we have not been able to find Lis.
“We do not know where she travelled to after the Chateau and have not been able to locate any items that would lead us closer to her.
“We have grave concerns for Lis, and sincerely hope the use of a drone will help us find her.”
Police continue to urge the public to check backyards, sheds, sleepouts, and any sheltered spaces where someone could seek refuge.
Anyone with CCTV or video footage is asked to review material captured between 6.40pm on Wednesday 4 June and 8am on Thursday 5 June.
While Lis disappeared from the Riccarton area, police say she is physically strong and may have walked some distance.
Anyone who sees Lis is asked to call 111 immediately and quote reference number 250604/5465. Non-urgent information can be submitted at 105.police.govt.nz using “Update Report” and the same reference number.
