American PhD student fatally attacked at Auckland bus stop identified
In Auckland, a 33-year-old American doctoral student, Kyle Whorrall, was fatally assaulted at a Meadowbank bus stop. Whorrall, an entomology student at the University of Auckland, died in hospital. Police are investigating and seeking information ...
By Global Desk |

Police examine the scene of the fatal bus stop assault of Kyle Whorrall in Meadowbank, Auckland
A 33-year old American doctoral student, Kyle Whorrall, was fatally assaulted at a bus stop on St Johns Road in Meadowbank, Auckland, on Saturday (April 19) night. He was pursuing a PhD in entomology at the University of Auckland and conducting research at Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research. Whorrall, succumbed to his injuries in the hospital where he was admitted for treatment, was identified and his name released on Tuesday (April 22).
According to Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin, the incident occurred around 10:10 pm on Saturday. Whorrall had visited a supermarket on Gerard Way at approximately 9:40 pm, and then proceeded to the nearby bus stop, about 400 meters away.
Police are seeking information about a midsize black SUV seen making a U-turn on St John's Road shortly before the assault. The vehicle stopped near the bus shelter, and at least two individuals exited before the attack. The SUV then fled the scene towards College Road.
Authorities are also looking to speak with the occupants of a white Toyota ute, which was cut off by the SUV during its maneuver. These individuals are considered witnesses and are not suspected of involvement in the crime.
Whorrall was known for conducting nocturnal fieldwork, a common practice among entomologists studying New Zealand's predominantly nocturnal insect species. His research often took him to local reserves and urban areas during nighttime hours.
A tribute shared on Facebook stated: “One of our former UCR undergrad students, Kyle Whorrall, who was working on his dissertation under my friend Rich Leschen in New Zealand, was killed in an assault at a bus stop in Auckland this past weekend. I’m sure all of his friends, family, and colleagues are in shock, as I am. Senseless and tragic.”
This incident follows a similar case from August 2024, where Stephen Thorpe, another entomologist associated 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 the news of Whorrall's death and is providing consular assistance to his family. The University of Auckland has refrained from commenting further, citing the ongoing police investigation.
Police are urging anyone with information, particularly those who were in the vicinity of 69 St Johns Road between 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, to come forward. Individuals with dashcam footage or who witnessed any suspicious activity are encouraged to contact the police at 105, referencing file number P062295607, or to provide information anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111.
According to Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin, the incident occurred around 10:10 pm on Saturday. Whorrall had visited a supermarket on Gerard Way at approximately 9:40 pm, and then proceeded to the nearby bus stop, about 400 meters away.
Police are seeking information about a midsize black SUV seen making a U-turn on St John's Road shortly before the assault. The vehicle stopped near the bus shelter, and at least two individuals exited before the attack. The SUV then fled the scene towards College Road.
Authorities are also looking to speak with the occupants of a white Toyota ute, which was cut off by the SUV during its maneuver. These individuals are considered witnesses and are not suspected of involvement in the crime.
Whorrall was known for conducting nocturnal fieldwork, a common practice among entomologists studying New Zealand's predominantly nocturnal insect species. His research often took him to local reserves and urban areas during nighttime hours.
A tribute shared on Facebook stated: “One of our former UCR undergrad students, Kyle Whorrall, who was working on his dissertation under my friend Rich Leschen in New Zealand, was killed in an assault at a bus stop in Auckland this past weekend. I’m sure all of his friends, family, and colleagues are in shock, as I am. Senseless and tragic.”
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This incident follows a similar case from August 2024, where Stephen Thorpe, another entomologist associated 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 the news of Whorrall's death and is providing consular assistance to his family. The University of Auckland has refrained from commenting further, citing the ongoing police investigation.
Police are urging anyone with information, particularly those who were in the vicinity of 69 St Johns Road between 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, to come forward. Individuals with dashcam footage or who witnessed any suspicious activity are encouraged to contact the police at 105, referencing file number P062295607, or to provide information anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111.
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