24 Jan 2015

Fitness coach dies teaching class

6:49 pm on 24 January 2015

A fitness instructor has died while teaching a gym class in Wellington.

Tony Tuatoko, 40, collapsed at Les Mills Extreme in Taranaki Street yesterday evening and was pronounced dead shortly after.

A spokesperson for Les Mills Wellington, Arpita Dutta, said Mr Tuatoko was a well-loved instructor.

"We have lost one of our own, quite tragically, and we are dealing with the loss and mourning his death. He was one of our most-loved instructors and was a great person to have on our team. And we are, you know, missing him already," Ms Dutta said.

She said the cause of death was unknown.

"We don't have details of exactly, medically, what happened".

Ms Dutta said the gym would like to respect the family's wishes for privacy but was able to say that, Mr Tuatoko did collapse while teaching a class, and was pronounced dead later.

Mr Tuatoko also taught at Les Mills gyms in Hutt City, and Lambton Quay.

On his trainer profile, he said he had been involved with group fitness for the past six years.

"I love to workout and I love to have fun at the same time," he wrote.

Gym members have been sharing fond memories and condolences on Les Mills Extreme's Facebook page.

One commented that Mr Tuatoko was; "Such a motivating and inspiring man, he will be missed by many. Thinking of his family and friends at this time."

"Our deepest sympathies go out to you guys. He was a total gem and wonderful human being. RIP you darling man," commented another.